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Swindling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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swindling

[หˆswษชndlษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

deception, fraud

To swindle means to cheat or defraud someone of money or property by some dishonest means. This often involves trickery or deception to gain an unfair advantage.

Synonyms

bamboozle, cheat, con, defraud, dupe.

Examples of usage

  • He swindled his friends out of their savings.
  • The con artist was arrested for swindling elderly people.
  • They were accused of swindling investors in a fake business scheme.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • In the 17th century, swindlers often used elaborate schemes to defraud investors, particularly in London.
  • Notorious swindlers, such as Charles Ponzi in the early 20th century, became famous for their deceitful financial schemes.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and books depict swindlers as clever or charming characters, like in 'Catch Me If You Can.'
  • The character of Fagin in Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist' is a classic example of a swindler in literature.

Psychology

  • Swindling often exploits trust; understanding psychology helps to devise better prevention strategies.
  • Con artists typically use social manipulation to establish rapport before executing their deceit.

Legislation

  • Various laws exist to protect people from financial fraud, including regulations specific to swindling.
  • Countries have different legal definitions and penalties for swindling, affecting how justice is served.

Origin of 'swindling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'swindle' comes from the German word 'schwindel,' meaning 'to deceive.'
  • It first appeared in English language during the late 18th century, often used in legal contexts.

The word 'swindle' originates from the German word 'schwindeln', which means 'to be unsteady or untrue'. The word entered English by the early 19th century, referring to acts of deception primarily in financial matters. Over time, it became associated with broader schemes of fraud that involved tricking individuals out of their money or property. Related terms and legal ramifications have developed, reflecting the serious implications of swindling on victims and society. It emphasizes both the cunning aspect of deception and the victim's loss, demonstrating how language around financial fraud has evolved as economic systems have become more complex.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,128, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.