Defraud: meaning, definitions and examples

When discussing a serious offense, involving legal and financial consequences. Usually implies taking money or property through deception.

• The man was charged with attempting to defraud the bank.
• They were arrested for defrauding investors of millions of dollars.

In casual conversations about dishonest behaviors, it's often used in gaming, sports, or academics. It has a lighter negative connotation compared to 'defraud'.

• He got caught trying to cheat on the exam.
• She always cheats when we play cards.

In situations involving obtaining money or property through deceit, often by gaining the victim's trust first. It has a connotation of trickery and manipulation.

• The con artist swindled the elderly couple out of their retirement funds.
• They were swindled by someone posing as a financial advisor.

In contexts where someone is tricked, often over the internet or through fraudulent schemes. It often involves some form of financial loss and carries a very negative connotation.

• She fell victim to an online scam.
• He was scammed out of his life savings.

In situations involving misleading someone intentionally, not necessarily related to financial matters. It carries a negative connotation.

• He tried to deceive her by hiding the truth about his past.
• She felt deceived when she found out the real story.

In situations where someone is illegally taking money or property through deception.

• The accountant was arrested for defrauding the company of $2 million.
• They were accused of devising a scheme to defraud investors.

Used when someone is given false or misleading information, intentionally or unintentionally.

• The advertisement misled consumers about the product's benefits.
• The politician was accused of misleading the public about his scandal.

In general situations where someone is deceived or fooled, can be playful or harmful depending on the context.

• The kids tricked their friend into thinking it was a regular chair.
• He tricked the system to gain unauthorized access.

When someone is deceived or tricked usually in a sneaky or deceptive manner, often with the intention of achieving an unfair advantage.

• She hoodwinked her colleagues into thinking she was the boss.
• The scammers tried to hoodwink the old lady with fake lottery winnings.

When someone is being tricked or confused in a playful or deceptive way, often used in a lighter or humorous context.

• The magician bamboozled the audience with his clever tricks.
• He was bamboozled into buying a fake watch.