defraud
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of defraud
1325–75; Middle English defrauden < Old French defrauder < Latin dēfraudāre, equivalent to dē- de- + fraudāre to cheat; see fraud
Explanation
To defraud is to con someone out of money. Defrauding is a sneaky crime. If you know that a fraud is some kind of a scam, then you're on the way to understanding what defraud means. If someone defrauds you, they are cheating you out of money. Ponzi schemes—also known as pyramid schemes—are a type of defrauding. A guy trying to sell you a bridge is a type of defrauding, as is a foreign prince asking for money via email. Be wary!
Vocabulary lists containing defraud
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Trash
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By the Great Horn Spoon!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thou bidd'st me at thine hand a gift accept, Whereof Achilles knows not; but I fear Achilles, and on no account should dare Defraud him, lest some evil find me next.
From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by Cowper, William
Indeed, if circumstances drive, Defraud, or take false oaths you may, Or to the charms of life give way, When Love must needs the door unbar.
From Fables of La Fontaine — a New Edition, with Notes by Wright, Elizur
Defraud not the poor of his living: and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in judgment.
From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 13 — Religion and Philosophy by Hammerton, John Alexander, Sir
Love a sensible servant as your own self, Defraud him not of liberty.
From The Makers and Teachers of Judaism by Kent, Charles Foster
Sir 14:14 Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of a good desire overpass thee.
From Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible Apocrypha by Anonymous
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
