# dupe

/ˈdup/ (US) · /djˈuːp/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dupe
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.