impersonate

[im-pur-suh-neyt, im-pur-suh-nit]

verb (used with object)

impersonated, impersonating 

1. to assume the character or appearance of; pretend to be.

   He was arrested for impersonating a police officer.

2. to mimic the voice, mannerisms, etc., of (a person) in order to entertain.

3. to act or play the part of; personate.

4. Archaic.,  to represent in personal or bodily form; personify; typify.

adjective

Archaic or Literary.

1. embodied in a person; invested with personality.

impersonate

/ ɪmˈpɜːsəˌneɪt /

verb

1. to pretend to be (another person)

2. to imitate the character, mannerisms, etc, of (another person)

3. rare,  to play the part or character of

4. an archaic word for personify

Other Word Forms

• impersonation noun
• impersonator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impersonate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; im- ¹ + person + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

A reputed member of the Locas, Wertz allegedly impersonated an FBI agent in an attempted home invasion robbery in February, hammering on the front door while holding a gun.

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Dillon also mocked his critics during the episode, impersonating them in a droning voice: “They don’t believe in anything, these people.”

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In Senegal, police arrested 22 suspects and uncovered a network that impersonated celebrities and used emotional manipulation on social media and dating platforms to defraud 120 victims of approximately $34,000.

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While some creators have embraced the new tech tools, others say their businesses are hurting from people who have used AI to impersonate them without their permission.

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Officials said the man was booked for impersonating law enforcement and carrying a weapon in a prohibited place, but has been released on bond.

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Related Words

• act like www.thesaurus.com
• imitate 
• masquerade as www.thesaurus.com
• mimic 
• portray 
• pose as www.thesaurus.com