What does impersonated mean?
“Impersonated” is the past tense and past participle of “impersonate,” meaning to pretend to be another person. The word most often describes assuming someone else’s identity, whether by dress, behavior, voice, or a false claim, usually in order to deceive them or obtain something they are not entitled to have. It can also describe an entertaining performance in which an actor or comedian imitates a recognizable public figure. In everyday use, impersonation often has a negative or potentially criminal implication because it involves deception, whereas the performance sense is usually playful and harmless. The word is related to “person,” “personal,” and “personality,” all of which ultimately derive from Latin “persona,” meaning a mask or the role represented by a mask. Using “impersonated” clearly emphasizes that someone has taken on another person’s apparent identity, rather than merely copying a particular habit or feature.
To assume another person’s identity or role in order to deceive others or gain unauthorized access.
"He impersonated a bank employee and obtained confidential information."
This sense is generally deceptive and may be considered unlawful, especially when used to obtain access, money, or information.
To imitate the appearance, voice, mannerisms, or behavior of another person, especially for entertainment.
"The actor impersonated several well-known singers during the variety show."
This performance sense is usually playful and does not necessarily involve an intention to deceive.
From “person” to “personal” to “impersonate”: the word follows the idea of presenting a person, sometimes falsely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of impersonated
The verb “impersonate” comes from Latin “impersonare,” formed from “in-” and “persona,” originally meaning a mask worn by an actor or a character represented by that mask. It entered English in the late 16th or early 17th century in the sense of representing or embodying a person, and its modern sense of assuming another person’s identity developed later. Related English words include “persona,” “personal,” “personality,” and “personify,” all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How impersonated is actually used
The word is usually used when someone represents themselves as another person, either fraudulently or for a performance. In the entertainment sense, it is usually harmless or playful; in security, legal, and everyday contexts, it often implies deception.
Easily confused with impersonated
Impersonating someone means presenting yourself as that person, whereas imitating means copying a person’s style, actions, voice, or work without necessarily claiming to be them.