B2nounformal2K

Fraud

UK /["/frɔːd/"]/US /["/frɔːd/"]/

Definition

the crime of cheating somebody in order to get money or goods illegally

In simple words: Tricking someone to steal their money or information.

Examples

  • She was charged with credit card fraud.
  • It was said that the property had been obtained by fraud.
  • He helped prevent a $100 million fraud.
  • He's nothing but a liar and a fraud.
  • She felt a fraud accepting their sympathy *(= because she was not really sad)*.

Usage notes

Use 'fraud' in legal or serious contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversations; instead, use simpler terms like 'scam.'

Grammar pattern

commit + fraud

Memory hint

Sounds like 'fraid' — imagine someone afraid of getting caught for tricking people.

Collocations

  • massive
  • serious
  • complex
  • squad
  • case
  • charge

Synonyms

  • scam
  • deceit
  • swindle
  • con
  • trick

Antonyms

  • honesty
  • truth

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'fraud' with 'fraudulent actions'
  • Using 'fraud' as a verb instead of a noun
  • Mixing up 'fraud' with 'deception'