bilk

American  

[bilk] / bɪlk /

verb (used with object)

1. to defraud; cheat.

   He bilked the government of almost a million dollars.

   Synonyms:

   rook, fleece, dupe, trick, swindle

2. to evade payment of (a debt).

3. to frustrate.

   a career bilked by poor health.

4. to escape from; elude.

   to bilk one's pursuers.

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noun

1. a cheat; swindler.

2. a trick; fraud; deceit.

bilk British  

/ bɪlk /

verb

1. to balk; thwart

2. (often foll by of) to cheat or deceive, esp to avoid making payment to

3. to escape from; elude

4. cribbage to play a card that hinders (one's opponent) from scoring in his or her crib

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noun

1. a swindle or cheat

2. a person who swindles or cheats

Other Word Forms

• bilker noun

Etymology

Origin of bilk

First recorded in 1625–35; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Eight people were arrested and 15 were charged in an alleged scheme to bilk more than $50 million in healthcare funds by running sham hospice facilities across Southern California, federal officials announced Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Also starting this week is the first trial in a sprawling scheme last decade to bilk Mississippi’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Guo, who is accused of engaging in a complex scheme to bilk thousands of online followers, was arrested this month in his 9,000-square-foot New York apartment.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2023

Costello wouldn’t be the only former Washingtonian accused of fabricating his résumé to bilk investors.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2022

"Blowed if I don't believe you're a bilk," he shouted through the hole.

From Love Eternal by Haggard, Henry Rider

Related Words

• con
• deceive
• defraud
• fleece
• swindle