grift
0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for grift, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A scheme for swindling people out of money, usually through trickery rather than force.
We haven't recorded synonyms for grift yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use grift
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Emerged around 1906 in American criminal slang as a twist on graft ("illicit profit"), itself traced back to a Middle Dutch word for digging a ditch — the idea being that a grifter "digs" money out of people.
Full origin of grift →Frequently asked questions
What does “grift” mean?
The word “grift” means a scheme for swindling people out of money, usually through trickery rather than force. In plain terms, a con or scam, or the act of running one — making money by fooling people rather than earning it honestly.
How do you pronounce “grift”?
“Grift” is pronounced grihft (/ɡɹɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “grift” in a sentence?
Here is “grift” used in a sentence: “The whole charity was just a grift dressed up as a good cause.”
What part of speech is “grift”?
Depending on how it is used, “grift” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grift” come from?
The word “grift” dates back to around 1906 and comes from Dutch. Emerged around 1906 in American criminal slang as a twist on graft ("illicit profit"), itself traced back to a Middle Dutch word for digging a ditch — the idea being that a grifter "digs" money out of people.
How many meanings does “grift” have?
“Grift” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a scheme for swindling people out of money, usually through trickery rather than force.