bilk

[ bilk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to defraud; cheat:

   He bilked the government of almost a million dollars.

   Synonyms: rook, fleece, dupe, trick, swindle

2. to evade payment of (a debt).
3. to frustrate:

   a career bilked by poor health.

4. to escape from; elude:

   to bilk one's pursuers.

noun

1. a cheat; swindler.
2. a trick; fraud; deceit.

bilk

/ bɪlk /

verb

1. to balk; thwart
2. often foll by of to cheat or deceive, esp to avoid making payment to
3. to escape from; elude
4. cribbage to play a card that hinders (one's opponent) from scoring in his or her crib

noun

1. a swindle or cheat
2. a person who swindles or cheats

Derived Forms

• ˈbilker, noun

Other Words From

• bilker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilk¹

First recorded in 1625–35; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilk¹

C17: perhaps variant of balk

Example Sentences

During a rally for the Harris campaign in Pittsburgh, Obama took time out of his speech to knock Trump for his "constant attempts" to bilk his supporters via NFTs, sneakers, watches and Bibles.

From Salon

The district attorney accused Fountaine of bilking investors out of millions through his schemes.

From Los Angeles Times

Five people were arrested this week in Los Angeles over an alleged scheme to bilk the Medicare program of more than $15 million using ‘sham hospices.’

From Los Angeles Times

Today Trump promotes violence, and bilks supporters of millions of dollars by selling Bibles, a book he’s never read, and golden sneakers he’d never wear.

From Salon

He doesn’t want to go to jail and is running a revenge campaign, bilking the ignorant and spending their money trying to get back into the White House.

From Salon

Related Words

• con
• deceive
• defraud
• fleece
• swindle