grift

American  

[grift] / grɪft /

noun

1. (sometimes used with a plural verb) a group of methods for obtaining money falsely through the use of swindles, frauds, dishonest gambling, etc.

2. money obtained from such practices.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to profit by the use of grift.

   a man known to have grifted for many years.

verb (used with object)

1. to obtain (money or other profit) by grift.

Etymology

Origin of grift

First recorded in 1910–15; perhaps alteration of graft ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grift

He dubbed the burgeoning world of peptides as one of "pseudoscience and grift."

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

Everyone else loses their moral courage and takes the bait, the grift, the deal.

From Slate ● Apr. 17, 2026

What we have seen this year is new levels of graft and grift.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025

It tells you the extent of his grift.

From Salon ● May 15, 2025

“Let me come along. I can sell tickets. Russ can do anything—he’s young. Give me his job. I can still count, and I don’t short-change. I know you don’t run a grift show.”

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen