Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for bilk

bilk

[ bilk ]

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.



noun

  1. a cheat; swindler.
  2. a trick; fraud; deceit.

bilk

/ 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a swindle or cheat
  2. a person who swindles or cheats
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈbilker, noun
Discover More

Other Words From

  • bilker noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilk1

First recorded in 1625–35; of obscure origin
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilk1

C17: perhaps variant of balk
Discover More

Example Sentences

During a rally for the Harris campaign in Pittsburgh, Obama took time out of his speech to knock Trump for his "constant attempts" to bilk his supporters via NFTs, sneakers, watches and Bibles.

From Salon

The district attorney accused Fountaine of bilking investors out of millions through his schemes.

Five people were arrested this week in Los Angeles over an alleged scheme to bilk the Medicare program of more than $15 million using ‘sham hospices.’

Today Trump promotes violence, and bilks supporters of millions of dollars by selling Bibles, a book he’s never read, and golden sneakers he’d never wear.

From Salon

He doesn’t want to go to jail and is running a revenge campaign, bilking the ignorant and spending their money trying to get back into the White House.

From Salon

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement