impostor
Impostor (noun) means someone who pretends to be another person in order to deceive people. Example: “The man turned out to be an impostor posing as a police officer.”
How to use impostor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) pretending to be what it isn't.
Often misspelled "imposter" — both spellings are widely accepted, but "impostor" is the more traditional form.
Word forms
impostors plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The man turned out to be an _____ posing as a police officer.
Etymology
From Middle French imposteur, ultimately from Latin impositor, "one who imposes" — related to the verb impose.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “impostor” mean?
The word “impostor” means someone who pretends to be another person in order to deceive people. In plain terms, someone (or something) pretending to be what it isn't.
How do you pronounce “impostor”?
“Impostor” is pronounced ihm-POS-tuh (/ɪmˈpɑstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “impostor” in a sentence?
Here is “impostor” used in a sentence: “The man turned out to be an impostor posing as a police officer.”
What is another word for “impostor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “impostor” include impersonator.
What part of speech is “impostor”?
“Impostor” is a noun.
Where does the word “impostor” come from?
The word “impostor” comes from Latin. From Middle French imposteur, ultimately from Latin impositor, "one who imposes" — related to the verb impose.
How many meanings does “impostor” have?
“Impostor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who pretends to be another person in order to deceive people.