verb

gull

To trick or deceive someone.

Scammers gull unsuspecting buyers into paying for worthless investments.

Etymology

Gull has been used for a person easily deceived as well as for deceiving that person. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, so the bird name should not be treated as a secure explanation.

More examples

  • The caller gulled her into sharing her password.
  • Don't let a fancy label gull you.
  • He admits gulling his friends with a made-up story.

Forms

gull · gulls · gulled · gulling

gullible adjective — Easily tricked into believing something false.

gullibility noun — A tendency to believe others too readily.

Similar words

dupe
Similarly emphasizes taking advantage of someone's trust or innocence.
deceive
More broadly means causing someone to believe something false.
swindle
Specifically involves cheating someone out of money or property.