What does impersonation mean?
Impersonation is the act of appearing to be another person or reproducing someone’s appearance, voice, or behavior. In its most common sense, it involves assuming another person’s identity, usually in a way intended to deceive others, such as using a false name or presenting oneself as an employee, official, or celebrity. The word can also refer to a comic or theatrical performance based on a recognizable person’s mannerisms. In legal contexts, impersonation may involve false representation of identity, depending on the jurisdiction and the conduct involved. Although it is related to the broader idea of imitation, impersonation is more specifically associated with taking on another person’s identity or role. The term derives ultimately from the Latin persona, meaning mask, reflecting the historical idea of presenting a different identity to the world.
nounThe act of representing oneself as another person, often with the intention of deceiving others. It can refer to imitating someone’s appearance, voice, or manner, or to assuming another person’s identity.
- The act of imitating or representing another person, especially in order to deceive.
- The unauthorized assumption of another person’s identity or characteristics.
- A performance in which an actor imitates a person’s appearance, voice, or manner.
"The comedian was accused of impersonation after appearing on television as the politician."
"He was charged with impersonation after using the employee’s identification."
"Her convincing impersonation of the famous singer brought the audience to its feet."
"The comedy show is built around celebrity impersonation and rapid-fire sketches."
Usually countable when referring to individual acts, cases, or instances of impersonation.
"The website publishes guidance on recognizing online impersonations."
From the Latin persona, meaning mask, impersonation began as the act of wearing another identity—and in law, it can still carry serious consequences.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impersonation come from?
The English word was formed from “impersonate” and the suffix “-ation.” “Impersonate” entered English in the 17th century, ultimately deriving from Latin persona, a mask or character, and the practice of presenting oneself under another person’s character or identity. The related English form “personation” reflects the same older vocabulary of personhood and representation.
Related word forms
How impersonation is actually used
In everyday use, impersonation usually suggests deception or an unauthorized assumption of someone else’s identity. In performance contexts, however, it can be a neutral description of an artist or actor’s imitation. Legal usage varies by jurisdiction.
Easily confused with impersonation
Imitation describes copying someone’s appearance, voice, or style, whereas impersonation usually involves presenting oneself as another person, often deceptively.
Personation can be a formal or legal term for acting as or representing another person, while impersonation more commonly emphasizes deceptive imitation in everyday use.