Fraudulence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fraudulence

[ˈfrɔːdjʊləns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

deception

The quality of being deceitful or dishonest. It involves the use of trickery to achieve personal gain or to harm others. Fraudulence often includes the creation of false documents or the manipulation of information to mislead others.

Synonyms

deception, dishonesty, fraud, imposture.

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Word Description / Examples
fraudulence

Used to describe the quality or state of being fraudulent, often in legal or formal contexts.

  • The company's fraudulence was exposed after an extensive investigation.
  • Authorities are cracking down on financial fraudulence within the industry.
deception

Used to describe the act of deceiving someone by hiding the truth, often in everyday or personal contexts.

  • She felt a sense of betrayal by his constant deception.
  • The magician's trick is based on illusion and deception.
dishonesty

Used to describe a lack of honesty or integrity, typically in personal or moral contexts.

  • His dishonesty made it hard for anyone to trust him.
  • The relationship ended due to repeated acts of dishonesty.
fraud

Used to describe a specific, often criminal, act of deceiving someone for financial gain.

  • He was arrested for credit card fraud.
  • The scheme was a massive real estate fraud.
imposture

Used to describe the act of pretending to be someone else, almost always in a deceptive or harmful way.

  • The criminal's imposture was revealed when his fingerprints were taken.
  • She was arrested and charged with imposture after posing as a nurse.

Examples of usage

  • His fraudulence was exposed when the audit revealed discrepancies in the financial records.
  • The company's fraudulence was evident when customers started reporting unauthorized charges on their accounts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • Fraudulence is a key term in law, often used in cases involving theft, embezzlement, and false pretenses.
  • Many legal systems consider fraud a serious crime, resulting in heavy penalties including fines and imprisonment.
  • Civil fraud cases can also lead to restitution, where the victim is compensated for their losses.

Psychology

  • Individuals who engage in fraudulent behavior might exhibit traits like low empathy and high manipulative tendencies.
  • The psychology of fraud can be linked to personality disorders, where individuals feel no remorse for their actions.
  • Research shows that some fraudsters possess a grandiose sense of self-worth, leading them to believe they won't get caught.

Pop Culture

  • Books and movies often depict characters who commit fraud, showcasing the thrill of deception, such as in 'Catch Me If You Can'.
  • Common tropes include the charming con artist who uses their charisma to pull off elaborate scams.
  • Reality TV shows frequently highlight fraud themes, which captivate audiences by revealing the layers of deception.

Technology

  • With the rise of online shopping, digital fraud has become a major issue, leading to the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
  • Phishing scams are a form of fraudulence where attackers impersonate legitimate sources to steal personal information.
  • Blockchain technology is being explored as a way to reduce fraud by increasing transparency in transactions.

Origin of 'fraudulence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fraudulentus', where 'fraus' means 'deception' or 'wrongdoing'.
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, initially to refer to deceitful actions.
  • The prefix 'fraud-' is connected to words related to trickery and scam, emphasizing its negative connotations.

The word 'fraudulence' originated from the Latin word 'fraudulentia', which means deceit or treachery. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of dishonesty and trickery. Fraudulence has been a prevalent issue throughout history, with various individuals and organizations engaging in fraudulent activities for personal gain. The word serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in personal and professional dealings.


See also: defraud, fraud, frauds, fraudster, fraudsters, fraudulent, fraudulently.