Charlatan: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who falsely claims to have special knowledge or skills, especially in medicine.

• The town was warned about the charlatan who pretended to be a miracle healer.
• That charlatan doesn't know the first thing about medicine.

Refers to someone who deceives others by pretending to be something they are not, often for financial gain. This term has legal implications.

• The company realized it had hired a fraud who had lied on his resume about his qualifications.
• She was arrested for committing fraud by using someone else's credit card.

Used to describe someone who pretends to be someone else, often to deceive or gain an advantage, but not necessarily for financial gain.

• They were shocked to discover the person they trusted was actually an impostor.
• An impostor gained access to the secure building by pretending to be an employee.

Specifically used to describe someone pretending to have medical skills or knowledge, usually without any legitimate qualifications. Often has a humorous or informal tone.

• Don't go to that clinic; the doctor there is a quack.
• People initially believed the quack's claims about his miracle cures.