scam
[ skam ]
/ skæm /
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noun
a confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit; swindle.
verb (used with object), scammed, scam·ming.
to cheat or defraud with a scam.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of scam
1960–65; originally carnival argot; of obscure origin
OTHER WORDS FROM scam
scammer, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH scam
scam , scanDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use scam in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for scam
scam
/ (skæm) slang /
noun
a stratagem for gain; a swindle
verb scams, scamming or scammed
(tr) to swindle (someone) by means of a trick
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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