defraud

[ dih-frawd ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of a right, money, or property by fraud:

   Dishonest employees defrauded the firm of millions of dollars.

   Synonyms: cheat, rook, fleece, swindle, bilk, rip off

defraud

/ dɪˈfrɔːd; ˌdiːfrɔːˈdeɪʃən /

verb

1. tr to take away or withhold money, rights, property, etc, from (a person) by fraud; cheat; swindle

Derived Forms

• deˈfrauder, noun
• defraudation, noun

Other Words From

• de·frau·da·tion [dee-fraw-, dey, -sh, uh, n], de·fraudment noun
• de·frauder noun
• unde·frauded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defraud¹

1325–75; Middle English defrauden < Old French defrauder < Latin dēfraudāre, equivalent to dē- de- + fraudāre to cheat; fraud

Example Sentences

Fans say Ticket Maestro managed to defraud them out of a considerable amount of money.

From BBC

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “A 30-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and has since been released under investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing as our investigation continues.“

From BBC

Like a snake gorging on its own tail, domestic disrupters are weaponizing America’s First Amendment to get rid of it so that the oligarchs funding them can drill, shoot, pollute, and defraud American consumers with impunity.

From Salon

Mario Medina, who was also convicted of an international extortion charge, enlisted his sister and son in a scheme that intended to defraud their neighbor’s family out of tens of thousands of dollars, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

"I think she always set out with the intention to defraud," Angela added.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumvent
• con
• deceive
• dupe
• embezzle
• fleece
• rob
• swindle
• victimize