imposture

[ im-pos-cher ]

noun

1. the action or practice of imposing fraudulently upon others.
2. deception using an assumed character, identity, or name, as by an impostor.
3. an instance or piece of fraudulent imposition.

   Synonyms: cheat, humbug, deception, swindle, hoax, fraud

imposture

/ ɪmˈpɒstərəs; ɪmˈpɒstʃə; ɪmˈpɒstrəs /

noun

1. the act or an instance of deceiving others, esp by assuming a false identity

Derived Forms

• impostrous, adjective

Other Words From

• im·pos·trous [im-, pos, -tr, uh, s], im·postur·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imposture¹

1530–40; < Late Latin impostūra, equivalent to Latin impost ( us ) past participle of impōnere ( impostor, impone ) + -ūra -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of imposture¹

C16: from French, from Late Latin impostūra, from Latin impōnere; see impose

Example Sentences

Even after the imposture was revealed, however, Taliban leaders remained positive that that their trick could still work.

From The Daily Beast

The imposture was discovered, and the poor girl confessed to the wicked trickery which her parents had taught her to practise!

From Project Gutenberg

We do not pretend to justify either his ignorance or his imposture; but we cannot condemn his doctrine of one only God.

From Project Gutenberg

By dint of imposture, he outwits them; yet, in consequence of his miracles and illusions, he at length discovers himself.

From Project Gutenberg

The hero of The Odyssey was, self-confessedly, no tyro, but was himself “in artifice well framed and in imposture various”.

From Project Gutenberg

Imagine the indignation of the creditor upon the discovery of the imposture!

From Project Gutenberg