swindler

[ swind-ler ]

noun

1. a person who cheats or defrauds others:

   The swindler Charles Ponzi became infamous for the money scheme that was later named after him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swindler¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from German Schwindler “irresponsible person, promoter of wildcat schemes, cheat,” derivative of schwindeln “to be dizzy (hence be dizzy-minded, be irresponsible), defraud,” equivalent to schwind- (cognate with Old English swindan “to languish”) + -(e)l- + -er; -le, -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

However, as The Tinder Swindler shows, it can also happen in face-to-face relationships.

From No Straight News

Accusations flew that she was ripping off investors, and Carlson revealed she was a convicted swindler who’d changed her gender.

From Voice of San Diego

The Cleveland Browns waited 18 years just to have fate swindle them.

From Washington Post

The most ridiculous character in Pay Any Price may be Dennis Montgomery, who is described as an inveterate gambler and swindler.

From The Daily Beast

This kind of combat reached its apotheosis when the guest was an insurance swindler called Emile Savundra.

From The Daily Beast

From the start, we see him as he is: a despot and a swindler, a Dallas blue-blood with FBI ties, fleeing a violent past.

From The Daily Beast

Top Producerby Norb Vonnegut A financial thriller about a Bernie Madoff-like swindler.

From The Daily Beast

I will turn and face you,” the 71-year swindler in a Savile Row-tailored charcoal-gray suit said flatly: “I am sorry.

From The Daily Beast

Does the old swindler think to persuade me that C. F. Garman is in want of cash?

From Project Gutenberg

Figgered a swindler wouldn't never suspect nobody of swindlin' him with one of his own tricks.

From Project Gutenberg

The man who brought these calamities on his country was not a mere visionary or a mere swindler.

From Project Gutenberg

Algernon Deuceace, you don't want a father to tell you that you are a swindler and a spendthrift!

From Project Gutenberg

Evidently the swindler had dropped from the roof to the upper landing of the fire escape.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• charlatan
• cheater
• con artist
• counterfeiter
• crook
• forger
• rascal
• thief