noun
fraud
FRAWD/frɔːd/
Deception intended to obtain an undeserved advantage.
The seller commits fraud by offering a painted stone as a precious gem.
Etymology
Latin fraus meant cheating or deceit, and English fraud is recorded early with the more specific sense of criminal deception. The Latin word's deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
Fraud cloaked in faith, deception dressed as destiny.
More examples
- She reports suspected credit card fraud to her bank.
- Falsifying receipts to claim extra expenses is fraud.
- The audit reveals years of tax fraud.
Forms
fraud · frauds
fraudulent adjective — Using deception to gain an unfair advantage.