Defraud: meaning, definitions and examples

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defraud

[dɪˈfrɔːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in legal context

To illegally obtain money or property by deception, typically through a scam or fraudulent scheme. Defrauding often involves tricking or misleading someone into giving up their assets or valuables.

Synonyms

cheat, deceive, scam, swindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
defraud	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.
cheat	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.
swindle	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.
scam	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.
deceive	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.

Examples of usage

He was found guilty of defrauding investors out of millions of dollars.
The company defrauded its customers by selling fake products.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in general context

To deceive or trick someone in order to gain an unfair advantage or benefit. It can involve various forms of dishonesty or manipulation to exploit others for personal gain.

Synonyms

bamboozle, hoodwink, mislead, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
defraud	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.
mislead	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.
trick	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.
hoodwink	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.
bamboozle	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.

Examples of usage

She defrauded her way into getting the promotion.
The politician was accused of defrauding the public with false promises.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin term 'defraudare,' meaning 'to cheat' or 'to deprive.'
It entered the English language in the late 15th century, reflecting the legal context of deception.
The word is often used in legal cases where someone is accused of cheating others, especially in financial matters.

Legal Context

Defrauding is considered a crime in most jurisdictions, categorized under fraud laws.
Victims of fraud are often entitled to restitution, which is being paid back for their losses.
Common forms include identity theft, credit card fraud, and investment scams, all of which aim to illegally obtain money.

Cultural Representation

People often find stories of defrauders fascinating, leading to numerous books, movies, and TV shows depicting con artists.
Popular media, such as 'Catch Me If You Can,' draws on true stories that capture the thrill and cunning behind fraud.
The portrayal of fraudsters often mixes charm and deception, leading audiences to both admire and condemn them.

Psychological Insights

Defrauders often exhibit psychological traits like manipulation and confidence, making them believable.
Research suggests that high levels of emotional intelligence can help in deceiving others more effectively.
Victims may experience feelings of betrayal and lowered trust, showing the emotional impact of being defrauded.

Economic Impact

Fraud significantly impacts economies, causing billions in losses globally each year.
Businesses invest heavily in fraud prevention measures, increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Economic downturns often lead to spikes in fraudulent activities as individuals seek desperate means to survive.

Translations

Translations of the word "defraud" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fraudar

enganar
burlar

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 betrügen

🇮🇩 menipu

🇺🇦 обдурити

обманути
шахраювати

🇵🇱 oszukać

🇯🇵 詐欺を働く

🇫🇷 frauder

escroquer
tromper

🇪🇸 defraudar

estafar
engañar

🇹🇷 dolandırmak

🇰🇷 사기 치다

🇸🇦 احتيال

🇨🇿 podvést

🇸🇰 podviesť

🇨🇳 诈骗

🇸🇮 goljufati

🇮🇸 svíkja

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 გადაგდება

🇦🇿 aldatmaq

🇲🇽 defraudar

estafar
engañar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,067, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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