defraud
UK: dɪˈfrɔːd | US: dɪˈfrɔːd
vt. to illegally obtain money, property, or rights from someone through deception
The word "defraud" combines the Latin prefix "de-" (meaning "away" or "down") with the root "fraud," derived from Latin "fraus" (meaning "deceit" or "cheating"). The prefix intensifies the action, implying a deliberate act of depriving someone through deceit. Over time, "fraud" evolved in Middle English from Old French "fraude," retaining its core meaning of dishonesty, while "defraud" specifically emphasizes the act of swindling or cheating someone out of something.
The businessman was arrested for attempting to defraud investors.
She sued the company after discovering they had defrauded her of thousands.
Scammers often target the elderly to defraud them of their savings.
The court found him guilty of defrauding the government.
New laws aim to prevent criminals from defrauding taxpayers.