impostor

Or im·post·er

[im-pos-ter]

noun

1. a person who practices deception under an assumed character, identity, or name.

impostor

/ ɪmˈpɒstə /

noun

1. a person who deceives others, esp by assuming a false identity; charlatan

Word History and Origins

Origin of impostor¹

1580–90; < Late Latin, equivalent to Latin impos ( i )-, variant stem of impōnere to deceive, place on ( impone ) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of impostor¹

C16: from Late Latin: deceiver; see _impose

Example Sentences

Median losses per person are around $2,000 — the highest amount reported for any type of impostor scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It’s both impostor and mocking at the same time,” Donovan said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The bill’s backers argue that permitting officers to disguise themselves creates scenarios where impostors may stop and detain migrants, which undermines public trust and ultimately hinders legitimate law enforcement operations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The entire space is autobiographical and intimate in a way that would make the wrong visitor feel like an intruder and the wrong inhabitant an impostor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Incidents of impostors masquerading as law enforcement have compounded the situation, along with rumors — so far unverified — that federal authorities have enlisted bounty hunters or private security contractors for immigration arrests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• con artist 
• hypocrite