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Impersonated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impersonated

[ษชmหˆpษœหrsษ™neษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

acting as someone

To impersonate means to act or imitate another person, often with the intent to deceive or entertain. This can involve copying someone's behavior, voice, and mannerisms, and it is commonly seen in performances, comedy, and illegal activities such as identity theft.

Synonyms

imitate, mimic, pose as, simulate.

Examples of usage

  • He impersonated a police officer to gain access.
  • The comedian impersonated several celebrities during the show.
  • She was accused of impersonating a government official.
  • They were caught impersonating customer service representatives.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television shows, characters often impersonate others to create humorous or suspenseful situations, such as in 'Mrs. Doubtfire.'
  • Celebrity impersonators are popular in entertainment, performing at events and showcasing their skills mimicking famous personalities.

Psychology

  • Impersonation can reveal aspects of identity and social roles, as individuals may embody traits different from their own.
  • In role-playing therapy, impersonation helps individuals explore emotions and behaviors by stepping into another's shoes.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature characters who impersonate others, such as in 'The Prince and the Pauper' where a prince and a pauper switch identities.
  • Shakespeare often used impersonation in his plays, where characters disguise themselves for love or escape, such as in 'Twelfth Night.'

Technology

  • In the digital age, impersonation can occur online through social media profiles or hacking, affecting privacy and security.
  • Phishing scams often involve impersonating legitimate entities to trick individuals into giving away personal information.

Origin of 'impersonated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impersonare,' meaning to make oneself a person or to assume a character.
  • It combines 'in-' meaning 'not,' with 'persona,' which refers to a mask or character in a play.

The word 'impersonate' comes from the late Middle English, originating from the Latin word 'impersonare,' which means 'to make into a person.' The prefix 'im-' denotes 'not' or 'into,' while 'persona' refers to the character or mask used by an actor in a play. This historical connection illustrates the act of taking on another's identity or role, reflecting the complex relationship between identity and performance in society. Over time, this term has evolved in usage, becoming associated with both entertainment, such as acting and parody, and nefarious activities like fraud and deception, especially in the digital age where impersonation can easily occur online. The nuances of impersonation continue to be relevant in legal contexts, as laws have had to adapt to address identity theft and misuse of personal information.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,373 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.