impostor

American  

[im-pos-ter] / ɪmˈpɒs tər /

Or imposter

noun

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

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impostor British  

/ ɪmˈpɒstə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of impostor

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

Example Sentences

The total number of “impostor scam” allegations received in total is 27,665, the report says.

From MarketWatch

“My impostor syndrome is skyrocketing right now, as well as my cortisol levels,” Baker said, accepting the DGA prize.

From Los Angeles Times

But she says now that this doesn’t come from a place of impostor syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times

Apple computer buyers are reporting that impostors have been using fake IDs and QR codes to steal their laptops before they can pick them up at several Apple stores across Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

The Jewish dynasty, originally from Frankfurt, Germany, has long dealt with impostors trying to inflate their status with the name.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• con artist
• hypocrite