fraud
frawd
Fraud (noun) means the crime of deceiving someone to gain money or an unfair advantage. Example: “Police are investigating a case of insurance fraud involving fake claims.”
noun
1
The crime of deceiving someone to gain money or an unfair advantage.
"Police are investigating a case of insurance fraud involving fake claims."
"She was charged with credit card fraud."
"The company collapsed after an accounting fraud came to light."
2
A person who pretends to be something they are not.
"The so-called expert turned out to be a fraud with no real training."
"I felt like a fraud when everyone asked me for advice."
"His colleagues eventually realized he was a total fraud."
How to use fraud
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberate deception for gain, or a person exposed as a fake.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "farce" or "fraught" — unrelated words that just sound similar.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
commit fraud
wire fraud
expose someone as a fraud
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Word forms
- Plural
- frauds
- Third person singular
- frauds
- Past tense
- frauded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police are investigating a case of insurance _____ involving fake claims.
Etymology
From Old French fraude, from Latin fraus, "deceit, injury."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for fraud
See all rhymes for fraud →Frequently asked questions
What does “fraud” mean?
The word “fraud” means the crime of deceiving someone to gain money or an unfair advantage. In plain terms, deliberate deception for gain, or a person exposed as a fake.
How do you pronounce “fraud”?
“Fraud” is pronounced frawd (/fɹɔːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “fraud” in a sentence?
Here is “fraud” used in a sentence: “She was charged with credit card fraud.”
What part of speech is “fraud”?
“Fraud” is a noun.
Where does the word “fraud” come from?
The word “fraud” comes from Latin. From Old French fraude, from Latin fraus, "deceit, injury.".
Is “fraud” a common word?
“Fraud” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “fraud” have?
“Fraud” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the crime of deceiving someone to gain money or an unfair advantage.
What is the difference between fraud and theft?
Theft is taking someone's property without permission, while fraud is the crime of deceiving someone in order to gain money or an unfair advantage. In fraud the victim is tricked into handing something over; in theft it is simply taken.
What is the difference between fraud and a scam?
A scam is an informal word for a dishonest scheme designed to cheat people, whereas fraud is the formal and legal term for gaining money or advantage by deception. Most scams are a type of fraud.
Can you call a person a fraud?
Yes. A fraud is also a person who pretends to be something they are not — for example, someone who fakes qualifications or expertise. In this sense it means much the same as impostor or charlatan.
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