defraud - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
defraud Word Meanings
- to cheat someone out of money or property
- to illegally deprive someone of something
- to trick someone into giving up their rights
defraud Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
defraud Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈfrɔːd/
US
/dɪˈfrɔd/
defraud Word Etymology
Root: de- (down from, away) + fraud (deception). Origin: Latin 'defraudare' → Old French 'defrauder' → English. Memory image: Imagine a magician pulling a fast one, making someone's money disappear with a trick, illustrating the essence of cheating and deception.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Defraud means to cheat someone out of money or property through deception, and it can also mean illegally depriving someone of something or tricking them into giving up their rights. It is stronger than a mere lie: a deliberate scheme to obtain money or an asset by unlawful means. In legal contexts you might say the defendant defrauded investors or defrauded the government. Common collocations include defraud customers, defraud a bank, or defraud the state. Learners often confuse it with cheat or deceive in casual speech; the crucial distinction is the unlawful transfer of money or rights rather than a harmless lie. The root de- and fraud evoke a downward, wrongful act.
Usage Reminders
- Pay attention to register: defraud is formal/legal; use cheat/deceive for everyday lying. Collocate with money or rights. Do not confuse with 'defection' or 'defraud' as a noun unless you mean the act of defrauding. Practice passive form: be defrauded by someone. Remember the root idea of taking away illegally.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing defraud with deceive or cheat in casual talk
- Thinking defraud always requires a large financial loss
- Using defraud for petty lies
- Misplacing defraud with defect or defection due to spelling
- Forgetting it involves illegal transfer of money or rights
Thinking Differences
English speakers separate deceit from legal fraud; defraud signals a deliberate criminal act involving money or rights.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations with money and rights
- Compare defraud vs deceive/cheat in sample sentences
- Study legal contexts and passive constructions
- Watch for nouns like fraud and fraudster
- Practice distinguishing act (defraud) vs result (be defrauded)
- Use memory image linking de- + fraud with illegal transfer
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'defraud'?
A.To give up something voluntarily
B.To encourage someone to take a risk
C.To deceive someone in order to gain something, usually money
D.To comply with regulations
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'defraud' correctly?
A.She cooked a delicious meal to defraud her family.
B.He decided to defraud his friends by offering fake investment opportunities.
C.The athlete trained hard to defraud his competitors.
D.They painted their house to defraud its overall value.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'defraud'?
A.Uphold
B.Assist
C.Cheat
D.Support
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'defraud'?
A.Trick
B.Honor
C.Comply
D.Mislead
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where a person tried to defraud someone?
A.A customer was honest with their payments at the restaurant.
B.Someone donated to a charity without any expectation of return.
C.An individual claimed a lottery prize that was never won.
D.A bank loan was granted after proper verification.
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