swindle

IPA

Dictionary definition of swindle

To deceitfully obtain money, property, or other valuable items from someone through fraudulent means or dishonest practices.
"The con artist managed to swindle the elderly couple out of their life savings."

Detailed meaning of swindle

It involves manipulating or tricking someone into giving up their assets or resources under false pretenses. To swindle someone often entails using cunning strategies, misrepresentation, or outright lies to gain their trust and exploit their vulnerabilities. Swindlers are skilled at creating convincing scenarios or schemes that appear legitimate but are ultimately designed to defraud unsuspecting individuals. They may employ tactics such as false investment opportunities, fake charities, or deceptive sales tactics to carry out their dishonest acts. Swindling is an intentional act that involves preying on the trust and naivety of others, causing them financial or material harm while the swindler benefits unfairly.

Example sentences containing swindle

1. Be cautious of individuals who may try to swindle you out of your money.
2. The con artist attempted to swindle unsuspecting victims with a fake investment scheme.
3. He used his charm and deceitful tactics to swindle people out of their life savings.
4. The fraudulent contractor tried to swindle homeowners by charging excessive fees.
5. The online scammer attempted to swindle users by tricking them into revealing personal information.
6. The shopkeeper was arrested for attempting to swindle customers by selling counterfeit goods.

History and etymology of swindle

The verb 'swindle' has its origins in the early 18th century and can be traced back to the English slang word 'swindler,' which in turn is believed to have derived from the German word 'schwindeln,' meaning 'to be dizzy' or 'to deceive.' The root of 'schwindeln' is 'schwind,' signifying a sense of dizziness or disorientation. As 'swindle' evolved in English, it came to signify the act of deceitfully obtaining money, property, or other valuable items from someone through fraudulent means or dishonest practices, capturing the essence of trickery and deception associated with the term.

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Further usage examples of swindle

1. The criminal managed to swindle a large sum of money from unsuspecting investors.
2. The Ponzi scheme was designed to swindle investors by promising unrealistic returns.
3. The duo worked together to swindle wealthy individuals through a series of elaborate schemes.
4. The fake charity organization aimed to swindle compassionate donors out of their contributions.
5. He was known for his ability to swindle even the most cautious individuals through his smooth talking.
6. The insurance fraudster devised a plan to swindle the company out of a substantial payout.
7. The art dealer tried to swindle buyers by selling counterfeit paintings as original masterpieces.
8. The confidence trickster used various psychological tactics to swindle his victims.
9. The notorious gang was known for their ability to swindle unsuspecting tourists in crowded areas.
10. The hacker attempted to swindle people by sending phishing emails to obtain their personal information.
11. The identity thief aimed to swindle individuals by using their personal data for financial gain.
12. The fraudulent psychic claimed to have special powers in order to swindle vulnerable clients.
13. The street magician used sleight of hand to swindle onlookers out of their money during performances.
14. The telemarketer tried to swindle elderly individuals by pressuring them into purchasing unnecessary products.