I. də̇ˈfrȯd, dēˈ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English defrauden, from Middle French defrauder, from Latin defraudare, from de + fraudare to cheat, from fraud-, fraus fraud, deceit — more at dream
transitive verb
: to take or withhold from (one) some possession, right, or interest by calculated misstatement or perversion of truth, trickery, or other deception
defraud the heirs of the bequests
citizens defrauded of their voting rights
intransitive verb
: to engage in fraud
Synonyms: see cheat
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from defrauden, v.
archaic : defraudation