bilk
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɪlk/
KK: /bɪlk/
noun
Definition
A person who cheats or tricks others, often in a dishonest way.
Example
The con artist was known as a bilk, always finding new ways to deceive people.
Conversation
Have you heard about that guy who tries to bilk people out of their money?
Yeah, I can't believe he still gets away with it.
It's wild how some people can be such a bilk and still find victims.
Right? It's a shame that not everyone is cautious.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fraud
swindle
cheat
Antonyms
honesty
trustworthiness
integrity
transitive verb
Definition
To cheat or trick someone out of money or something valuable.
Example
The con artist tried to bilk the elderly couple out of their savings.
Tense Forms
Past: bilked
Past Participle: bilked
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy who tried to bilk investors out of their money?
Yeah, I read about it! It's unbelievable how some people can be so deceitful.
I can't believe someone would go that far to bilk others.
Root Explanation
Bilk originates from the late 17th century, possibly from the dialectal English 'bilk' meaning to cheat or defraud, with uncertain origins. It is often associated with the idea of tricking someone out of something, particularly money.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'cheats' or 'defrauds' another person — that's the essence of what bilk means.
Visually Confused Words
ilk