Impostor: meaning, definitions and examples

🕵️‍♂️

Add to dictionary

impostor

[ɪmˈpɒstə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

Among gamers

An impostor is someone who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially in online games or social settings. The term is commonly used in games like Among Us, where players must identify the impostor among them.

Synonyms

deceiver, imposter, pretender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impostor	Generally used to describe a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. Commonly used in serious or formal contexts. The police caught the impostor who was pretending to be a doctor. He felt like an impostor in his new job.
pretender	Refers to someone who claims to be something or someone they are not, often used in historical or royal contexts. The pretender to the throne was finally captured. He is just a pretender trying to fit in with the group.
deceiver	Used to describe someone who lies or tricks people to get what they want. Can be used in both serious and casual contexts. Beware of deceivers who try to scam you online. She was heartbroken when she discovered he was a deceiver.
imposter	A variant spelling of 'impostor,' used inter-changeably but more commonly seen in American English. The imposter managed to infiltrate the organization. Feeling like an imposter, she doubted her own accomplishments.

Examples of usage

The impostor in the game managed to trick the other players into believing their lies.
It can be difficult to spot the impostor among a group of skilled players.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

In general

An impostor is a person who pretends to be someone they are not, often for fraudulent purposes. They may fake their identity, qualifications, or intentions in order to gain trust or access to certain benefits.

Synonyms

fraud, phony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impostor	Used when someone takes on a false identity or pretends to be someone they are not, typically to deceive others for personal gain. The man claiming to be the prince was an impostor. The impostor fooled everyone at the event.
fraud	Refers to a person who uses deception to achieve financial gain or other benefits. It's often used in context with illegal activities. The accountant was arrested for committing tax fraud. She discovered that the charity was a fraud.
phony	Describes something or someone that is fake or not genuine, often in a casual or colloquial setting. It can also refer to insincere behavior. His accent was totally phony. Don't buy that phony designer bag.

Word

Description / Examples

impostor

Used when someone takes on a false identity or pretends to be someone they are not, typically to deceive others for personal gain.

The man claiming to be the prince was an impostor.
The impostor fooled everyone at the event.

fraud

Refers to a person who uses deception to achieve financial gain or other benefits. It's often used in context with illegal activities.

The accountant was arrested for committing tax fraud.
She discovered that the charity was a fraud.

phony

Describes something or someone that is fake or not genuine, often in a casual or colloquial setting. It can also refer to insincere behavior.

His accent was totally phony.
Don't buy that phony designer bag.

Examples of usage

The impostor posed as a doctor to gain access to sensitive information.
She realized too late that the charming stranger was actually an impostor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'impostor', meaning 'one who cheats or deceives'.
It entered the English language in the late 16th century, initially used to describe someone who was fraudulent.

Psychology

Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud.
Many high achievers experience impostor feelings despite evidence of their success.

Literature

The concept of an impostor can be found in classic literature, such as Shakespeare's works, where characters often disguise themselves.
In Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', the protagonist takes on different identities which reflects themes of deception and truth.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Catch Me If You Can' explore the life of a con artist, highlighting the intrigue surrounding impostors.
The game 'Among Us' has popularity built around the idea of impostors, making it a fun, thematic way to engage with the concept.

History

Throughout history, many historical figures have used impostor tactics; for example, Trojans used a deceptive wooden horse.
The infamous con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. impersonated a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, showcasing how impostors can infiltrate various professions.

Translations

Translations of the word "impostor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impostor

🇮🇳 धोखेबाज़

🇩🇪 Hochstapler

🇮🇩 penipu

🇺🇦 самозванець

🇵🇱 oszust

🇯🇵 詐欺師

🇫🇷 imposteur

🇪🇸 impostor

🇹🇷 sahtekar

🇰🇷 사기꾼

🇸🇦 محتال

🇨🇿 podvodník

🇸🇰 podvodník

🇨🇳 冒名顶替者

🇸🇮 prevarant

🇮🇸 svikahugur

🇰🇿 алаяқ

🇬🇪 მატყუარა

🇦🇿 aldadıcı

🇲🇽 impostor

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,819, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21816 affable
21817 hamburger
21818 avowedly
21819 impostor
21820 bolting
21821 resonate
21822 finery
...