defraud

[dih-frawd]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of a right, money, or property by fraud.

   Dishonest employees defrauded the firm of millions of dollars.

   Synonyms: cheat, rook, rip off, fleece, swindle, bilk

defraud

/ dɪˈfrɔːd, ˌdiːfrɔːˈdeɪʃən /

verb

1. (tr) to take away or withhold money, rights, property, etc, from (a person) by fraud; cheat; swindle

Other Word Forms

• defrauder noun
• defraudation noun
• defraudment noun
• undefrauded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of defraud¹

1325–75; Middle English defrauden < Old French defrauder < Latin dēfraudāre, equivalent to dē- de- + fraudāre to cheat; fraud

Example Sentences

The judge called it a "wild scheme" and "highly sophisticated", as she tried to defraud the Presley family.

From BBC

Aspiration turned out to be a fraudulent company, and co-founder Joseph Sanberg has agreed to plead guilty to defrauding multiple investors and lenders.

From Los Angeles Times

In an email to The Times for a 2023 article that documented the trail of fraud allegations that dogged him, Brown said he had made mistakes in the past, but denied defrauding anyone.

From Los Angeles Times

Amuah and his co-conspirators had impersonated vendors to defraud nearly 70 public and private organisations across the country, US court records show.

From BBC

This week, Ayrshire-based McMaster was due to face trial over an allegation he had defrauded a customer by pretending he would carry out construction work at his home four years ago.

From BBC

Related Words

• circumvent 
• con 
• deceive 
• dupe 
• embezzle 
• fleece 
• rob 
• swindle 
• victimize