Word
dupe
US/ˈdup/
UK/djˈuːp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who is easily tricked or fooled by someone else. You use this word for someone who is too trusting and gets taken advantage of.
n. a person who is easily deceived or tricked by another. Often carries a pejorative or slightly humorous tone in informal contexts.
Examples
“He was a total dupe for the scammer's story.”
“The con artist targeted the elderly man, who was a perfect dupe for his elaborate scheme.”
“While the plot was technically sound, the protagonist's role as a dupe for the villain's plan felt somewhat forced and unconvincing to the audience.”
Examples
simple
“He was a total dupe for the scammer's story.”
contextual
“The con artist targeted the elderly man, who was a perfect dupe for his elaborate scheme.”
complex
“While the plot was technically sound, the protagonist's role as a dupe for the villain's plan felt somewhat forced and unconvincing to the audience.”
Real-World Examples
“But illicit, counterfeit dupes of retatrutide are currently flooding the black market.” “We've always been side by side."
Matthew's father was cleared of any involvement as he was also duped by Hayden-Johnson.” Etymology
From French duper, from Middle French duppe, alteration of huppe (“hoopoe”), from Latin, onomatopoeic.
Clipping of duplicate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
01. dupe culture
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
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