swindle etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: swindelen, variant of swindlen, from Old English: swindel, meaning "giddiness, vertigo"
  • Ultimately derived from Old Norse: svindl, meaning "swaying"

Meaning:

Verb:

  • To cheat or deceive someone, especially by obtaining money or property through dishonest means.
  • To swindle is to deceive someone into giving up their money or property with promises that are not intended to be kept.

Origin:

The word "swindle" originally referred to a physical sensation of dizziness or giddiness. It was later used figuratively to describe the mental confusion caused by being deceived or cheated. By the 15th century, it had evolved into a legal term for obtaining property by fraud.

Examples:

  • The con artist swindled the elderly woman out of her life savings.
  • The company swindled customers by selling them defective products.

swindle relate terms

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