Swindle

/ˈswɪndəl/ verb, noun

Definition

To cheat or defraud someone out of money or property through dishonest tricks; a dishonest scheme or scam.

Etymology

From German 'Schwindel,' originally meaning 'dizziness' or 'giddiness,' from 'schwinden' meaning 'to disappear.' Came to mean a fraudulent scheme that makes people dizzy with confusion.

Kelly Says

The word 'swindle' comes from German slang meaning 'dizziness'—because con artists make victims so confused and disoriented that they don't notice the theft happening!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.