cheat

The word “cheat” means to break rules in order to gain an unfair advantage. In plain terms, to break the rules — or be unfaithful — to gain something you shouldn't have.

“Cheat” is pronounced CHEET (/ˈt͡ʃiːt/ in IPA).

Here is “cheat” used in a sentence: “He was caught cheating on the exam and had to retake it.”

Depending on how it is used, “cheat” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “cheat” comes from Old French. Ultimately from Old French escheat ("property that reverts to the state") — the sense shifted over time from an official legal term to the idea of unfairly taking something that isn't rightfully yours.

“Cheat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Cheat” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break rules in order to gain an unfair advantage.

To deceive is to make someone believe something false. To cheat is to break rules for an unfair advantage or to trick someone in order to take something from them, so cheating usually involves rules, contests, or loss. Most cheating involves deception, but not all deception counts as cheating.

Both nouns mean a person who cheats. Cheat is the usual choice in British English, as in he's a cheat, while American English strongly prefers cheater. As a noun, cheat can also refer to an act of cheating.

A cheat sheet is a compact set of notes giving key facts, formulas, or steps at a glance. The name comes from notes smuggled into tests in order to cheat, but the term is now neutral and widely used for legitimate quick-reference guides.