# swindle

/ˈswɪndəɫ/ (US) · /swˈɪndəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swindle
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

to trick someone to get their money or property. You lie or cheat to make them give you something that is theirs.

For teachers: to obtain money or property by fraud or deception, typically through a deliberate trick or false claim. Often followed by 'out of' to mark the victim and the loss.

## Examples

- He tries to swindle old people out of money.
- The contractor tried to swindle the couple by charging for work he never finished.
- She realized the investment advisor had swindled her savings through forged documents and false promises of high returns.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive; commonly followed by 'out of' ('swindle someone out of money').

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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.