phish

[ fish ]

verb (used without object)

1. to try to obtain financial or other confidential information from internet users, typically by sending an email that looks as if it is from a legitimate organization, usually a financial institution, but contains a link to a fake website that replicates the real one.

verb (used with object)

1. to make (someone) a victim in this way:

   If you've been phished, you should cancel your credit cards immediately.

Other Words From

• phisher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of phish¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; respelling (influenced by phreak ) of fish

Example Sentences

NFL denies Phish will make a surprise reunion appearance during Bruno Mars halftime show.

From The Daily Beast

Phish on Demand: The greatest band now has the greatest music app.

From The Daily Beast

Which is exactly what happened in Tunisia—the government was able to phish passwords of Facebook users.

From The Daily Beast