fraud
UK: frɔːd | US: frɔːd
n. wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain
n. a person who pretends to be something they are not
The word "fraud" (modern spelling "fraud") originates from the Latin fraus, meaning "deceit" or "injury." It entered Middle English via Old French fraude, retaining its core meaning of intentional deception for gain. The Latin root fraus also implies a breach of trust, reflecting the word's enduring association with dishonesty in legal and financial contexts.
He was convicted of fraud after falsifying financial records.
The company exposed a major fraud scheme involving fake invoices.
She felt like a fraud when praised for work she didn’t do.
The politician’s promises turned out to be a fraud.
Insurance fraud costs billions of dollars annually.