What does swindle mean?
A swindle is a dishonest scheme, especially one involving money, property, or investments, and the person responsible may be called a swindler. To swindle someone is to deceive them in order to obtain something valuable, usually by persuading them to part with money or possessions. The word is common in British and American English and carries a strongly negative, accusatory tone. Although it can refer to deception generally, it is especially associated with fraud, fake businesses, investment scams, and confidence tricks. In everyday use, swindle suggests not merely a mistake or poor bargain but deliberate deception for gain. The word also has a vivid etymological history, deriving from German Schwindel, originally connected with dizziness or spinning, before developing its modern sense of fraud.
An act of deception, especially a fraudulent scheme involving money or property.
"The court described the transaction as an elaborate swindle."
Often used for financial fraud or schemes that deceive people into paying money or handing over property.
To deceive someone in order to obtain money, property, or another benefit.
"The broker swindled investors out of their savings."
The construction 'swindle someone out of something' is especially common.
Used when referring to multiple deceptive schemes or acts of fraud.
"Investigators uncovered a series of swindles involving fraudulent charitable appeals."
The word swindle came from German, where Schwindel originally referred to dizziness or a feeling that everything was spinning before its meaning developed into fraud.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swindle come from?
The word entered English in the 17th century from German Schwindel, a word related to Middle High German swindel and to the German verb schwinden, meaning to disappear, grow less, or make one's way through carefully. The earlier German sense involved dizziness or a feeling of turning or giddiness. Over time, the English word developed its modern sense of a fraudulent deception and the associated verb meaning to deceive someone, especially for money.
Related word forms
How swindle is actually used
The term is commonly used for financial or property deception and is often stronger and more accusatory than simply saying that someone was dishonest. It can also be used more broadly for trickery or deliberate deception.
Easily confused with swindle
A swindle is the deceptive act or scheme itself, while a swindler is the person who carries it out.