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impostor

noun

/ɪmˈpɒs tər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of impostor

An individual who pretends to be someone else, typically with the intention to deceive, mislead, or gain an advantage.
"The company discovered that one of their employees was an impostor who had falsified their credentials."

Detailed meaning of impostor

An impostor is someone who assumes a false identity, character, or role, often for personal gain, manipulation, or fraudulent purposes. They may imitate another person's appearance, behavior, or qualifications in order to deceive others into believing they are someone they are not. Impostors can operate in various contexts, such as professional settings, social interactions, or online platforms, where they may exploit trust and deceive others for personal or malicious reasons. The term "impostor" carries a negative connotation, implying dishonesty and a violation of trust. Detecting an impostor can be challenging, as they often employ strategies to convince others of their authenticity. However, once exposed, impostors may face legal consequences or damage to their reputation.

Example sentences containing impostor

1. The impostor gained access to confidential information by posing as a trusted employee.
2. The detective was determined to expose the impostor and bring them to justice.
3. The community was shocked to learn that their respected leader was an impostor with a fake identity.
4. The impostor disguised himself as a maintenance worker to gain entry to the building.
5. The impostor manipulated the situation to make others believe he was the rightful heir to the fortune.
6. The impostor's web of lies began to unravel when inconsistencies in their story emerged.

History and etymology of impostor

The noun 'impostor' has its origins in the late 16th century and is derived from the term 'impostor,' which in turn comes from the Latin word 'impostor,' meaning 'deceiver' or 'imposer.' In Latin, 'impostor' was used to describe someone who engaged in deceitful practices by pretending to be something or someone they were not. Over time, 'impostor' made its way into the English language, retaining its fundamental meaning of an individual who pretends to be someone else, typically with the intention to deceive, mislead, or gain an advantage. The etymology of 'impostor' underscores its historical connection to deception and fraud, emphasizing its role in describing those who engage in acts of impersonation or deceit by presenting themselves as someone else for various purposes, often nefarious.

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Further usage examples of impostor

1. The victims of identity theft were left devastated after discovering they had been preyed upon by an impostor.
2. The author wrote a book about her experience of being targeted by an impostor who stole her online identity.
3. The security team implemented strict measures to prevent impostors from infiltrating the premises.
4. The impostor's charm and charisma made it easy for them to deceive others.
5. The impostor's true identity was uncovered when a background check revealed their criminal history.
6. The undercover agent successfully infiltrated the criminal organization, exposing their secrets as an impostor.
7. The impostor's fraudulent scheme involved impersonating wealthy individuals to access exclusive events.
8. The victims of the impostor's Ponzi scheme lost their life savings in the fraudulent investment scheme.
9. The court sentenced the impostor to several years in prison for identity theft and fraud.
10. The impostor's actions tarnished the reputation of the organization they were associated with.
11. The documentary shed light on the psychological motivations of impostors and the impact of their actions on victims.
12. The cunning impostor fooled everyone with his false identity.
13. She exposed the impostor posing as a renowned scientist.
14. Detecting an impostor can be challenging in a crowded room.
15. The impostor's deception unraveled under close scrutiny.
16. The impostor's disguise was nearly flawless but not quite.
17. His reputation suffered when he was unmasked as an impostor.
18. The impostor's true intentions became clear over time.
19. An impostor infiltrated the secret agent's inner circle.
20. The impostor's web of lies eventually led to his downfall.
21. The impostor's charm was his greatest weapon of deception.
22. Unmasking the impostor was a triumph of truth over deceit.