bilk

American  

[bilk] / bɪlk /

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.

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noun

1. a cheat; swindler.

2. a trick; fraud; deceit.

bilk British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a swindle or cheat

2. a person who swindles or cheats

Other Word Forms

• bilker noun

Etymology

Origin of bilk

First recorded in 1625–35; of obscure origin

Explanation

Ever paid a restaurant bill only to discover they charged you for stuff you never had? What they did was bilk you — cheat you out of money that was justly yours. Shady companies are forever bilking their investors. To bilk someone is slightly different from plain robbing them, though the effect is the same; it implies a non-violent, subtle and devious method masquerading as legitimate. Bernie Madoff, the Ponzi scheme king, was a classic bilker. On a more enjoyable note, one of the greatest bilkers in TV history was the appropriately named Sergeant Bilko, played by the comedian Phil Silvers. His eternal card games, promotions and get-rich-quick schemes were all designed to part some poor sucker from their cash. Watch and learn from the master.

Example Sentences

Eight people were arrested and 15 were charged in an alleged scheme to bilk more than $50 million in healthcare funds by running sham hospice facilities across Southern California, federal officials announced Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Also starting this week is the first trial in a sprawling scheme last decade to bilk Mississippi’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Ms. Mahoney had refused several offers for her land, and Flannery’s lawsuit — an antitrust case in federal court — described her as a conspirator who was out to bilk his company.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024

Costello wouldn’t be the only former Washingtonian accused of fabricating his résumé to bilk investors.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2022

He should not bilk me of free movement.

From Desert Dust by Shepherd, J. Clinton

Related Words

• con
• deceive
• defraud
• fleece
• swindle