swindler

[ swind-ler ]

noun

1. a person who cheats or defrauds others:

   The swindler Charles Ponzi became infamous for the money scheme that was later named after him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swindler¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from German Schwindler “irresponsible person, promoter of wildcat schemes, cheat,” derivative of schwindeln “to be dizzy (hence be dizzy-minded, be irresponsible), defraud,” equivalent to schwind- (cognate with Old English swindan “to languish”) + -(e)l- + -er; -le, -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

And if you held any sympathetic feelings for this greedy, sweaty-jowled, incompetent swindler, then abandon them here.

From Literature

Meanwhile, a new Instagram account has appeared under Callaway’s name, describing him as a “swindler.”

From Seattle Times

Donald Trump, because he’s fundamentally corrupt at his core, attracts confidence men, de facto psychopaths, and swindlers into his inner circle.

From Salon

The parcel currently under consideration has a rich history of flamboyant characters and swindlers who began arriving after the turn of the last century, a time when Los Angeles was growing out of its skin.

From Los Angeles Times

Decker described a scene straight out of Hollywood, with scoundrels and swindlers on every corner.

From Literature

Related Words

• charlatan
• cheater
• con artist
• counterfeiter
• crook
• forger
• rascal
• thief