1. to illegally obtain money from someone by deception
Usage: formal; legal context

Examples

• The accountant was accused of defrauding the company of millions of dollars.
• She defrauded elderly investors through a fake investment scheme.
• The insurance company discovered he had tried to defraud them with false claims.
• Several employees conspired to defraud their employer over many years.
• The con artist defrauded dozens of victims before being caught.
• He was sentenced to prison for defrauding the government of tax revenue.