swindler

[swind-ler]

noun

1. a person who cheats or defrauds others.

   The swindler Charles Ponzi became infamous for the money scheme that was later named after him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swindler¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from German Schwindler “irresponsible person, promoter of wildcat schemes, cheat,” derivative of schwindeln “to be dizzy (hence be dizzy-minded, be irresponsible), defraud,” equivalent to schwind- (cognate with Old English swindan “to languish”) + -(e)l- + -er; -le, -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

In Telegram chat groups, the workers could see bank account suppliers and swindlers in need of accounts and would match the two and keep track of trades and commissions.

From Salon

An already-tense relationship appeared to worsen further last week with Mr Altman taunting Mr Musk's offer on X, and Mr Musk retorting by calling his onetime partner a "swindler".

From BBC

Not exercising responsibility for safeguarding the property of the evacuees allowed “an interval of golden opportunity to swindlers and tricksters who had a terrified group of people at their mercy,” according to the apology.

From Los Angeles Times

And if you held any sympathetic feelings for this greedy, sweaty-jowled, incompetent swindler, then abandon them here.

From Literature

Meanwhile, a new Instagram account has appeared under Callaway’s name, describing him as a “swindler.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• charlatan 
• cheater 
• con artist 
• counterfeiter www.thesaurus.com
• crook 
• forger www.thesaurus.com
• rascal 
• thief