What does counterfeit mean?
Counterfeit means made in deliberate imitation of something genuine with the intention of deceiving. It functions as an adjective (a counterfeit banknote), a noun (the forgery itself), and a verb (to produce such a fake). The word applies most often to money — counterfeit currency being a serious crime in nearly every jurisdiction — but also to goods such as designer handbags, pharmaceuticals, and documents like passports and diplomas. Its tone is neutral to formal, carrying strong legal weight rather than casual insult; for everyday fakes English speakers more often say fake or phony. Etymologically, counterfeit descends via Old French contrefait from Latin contra ('against') plus facere ('to make'), so a counterfeit is literally something 'made against' or in opposition to the true thing. Because fraud remains widespread, the word stays firmly current in news reporting, law enforcement, and consumer protection alike.
An imitation made with intent to deceive, especially counterfeit money.
"The forger was convicted of possessing counterfeits worth over a million dollars."
Often used in the plural when referring to batches of forged coins or notes.
To make an imitation of something valuable or official in order to deceive.
"They were charged with conspiring to counterfeit US currency."
Made in imitation of something genuine with intent to deceive.
"She unknowingly bought a counterfeit designer handbag online."
Refers to multiple instances of forged items, usually money or goods.
"Police destroyed thousands of seized counterfeits."
The word literally means "made against" — a counterfeit is something made *against* the truth, from Latin contra + facere.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of counterfeit
Counterfeit comes from Old French contrefait, past participle of contrefaire 'to make in imitation', formed from Latin contra ('against, opposite') plus facere ('to make'). It entered Middle English in the medieval period, originally meaning simply 'made in imitation' before narrowing to imply deception. Related words sharing the contra- root include contradict, contrast, and contravene.
Related word forms
How counterfeit is actually used
Register: neutral to formal. Commonly used in legal and commercial contexts (counterfeit currency, counterfeit goods). The verb often appears in legal language ("to utter counterfeit notes").
Easily confused with counterfeit
"Counterfit" is simply a common misspelling; the correct spelling always ends in -feit.