gazump

[ guh-zuhmp ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cheat (a house buyer) by raising the price, at the time a contract is to be signed, over the amount originally agreed upon.

noun

1. an act of gazumping.

gazump

/ ɡəˈzʌmp /

verb

1. to raise the price of something, esp a house, after agreeing a price verbally with (an intending buyer)
2. tr to swindle or overcharge

noun

1. the act or an instance of gazumping

Derived Forms

• gaˈzumper, noun

Other Words From

• ga·zumper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gazump¹

First recorded in 1925–30; earlier gazoomph to swindle, argot word of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gazump¹

C20: of uncertain origin