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

Orgon, a wealthy bourgeois who has taken a much younger second wife, signs over his soul to Tartuffe, a lecherous swindler who poses as a saint while pursuing a diabolical agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The suit, originally filed with the law office of Dustin Deissner and later handled by the office of Geoffrey D. Swindler, alleged the negligence of both the city and Redstone Holdings led to Fischer’s injuries.

From Seattle Times

“I want to compliment the city for doing the right thing,” Swindler said in a brief interview.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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