Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

confidence-trick

noun
/ˈkɒnfɪdəns trɪk/
Definition
A deception designed to manipulate someone into trusting the trickster to gain something of value.
Examples
  • The scam was a classic confidence-trick, where the con artist posed as an investment advisor.
  • Many people fell victim to the confidence-trick claiming to double their money.
  • She was wary of strangers after falling for a confidence-trick in her youth.
Meaning
A confidence trick is a scheme that relies on the trust of the victim. The trickster presents themselves as trustworthy to exploit the victim for personal gain.
Synonyms
  • scam
  • fraud
  • swindle
  • dupe
  • con