# defraud

/dɪˈfɹɔd/ (US) · /dɪfɹˈɔːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/defraud
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to trick someone out of their money or property by using lies or fake documents. You do this when you want to get something you are not legally allowed to have.

For teachers: to deprive a person of property or money by means of fraud or deception. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the victim or the amount stolen.

## Examples

- He tried to defraud the bank with a fake check.
- The company was fined heavily after it was discovered that they had defrauded investors of millions of dollars.
- By manipulating the accounting records, the executive managed to defraud the shareholders of their rightful dividends for several consecutive fiscal years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.