swindle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈswɪnd(ə)l/

verb

[with object]
  • use deception to deprive (someone) of money or possessions: a businessman swindled investors out of millions of pounds
  • obtain (money) fraudulently: he was said to have swindled £62.5 million from the state-owned cement industry

noun

  • a fraudulent scheme or action: he is mixed up in a £10 million insurance swindle

Derivatives

swindler

noun

Origin:

late 18th century: back-formation from swindler, from German Schwindler 'extravagant maker of schemes, swindler', from schwindeln 'be giddy', also 'tell lies'