Definition

A crime involving the creation or alteration of a document or item to deceive others, making it appear genuine when it is not.

Example

The police arrested him for forgery after they discovered he had created fake checks.

Conversation

Did you hear about that art forgery case in town?

Yeah, it’s all over the news! It’s shocking how people can be so dishonest.

I know, right? It makes you wonder how many real pieces are actually forgeries.

Exactly! It’s hard to trust what you see in galleries now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Forgery → It is formed from "forge" (from Old French *forger*, meaning to shape or create) and the suffix "-ery" (meaning a place or condition of). The word "forgery" refers to the act or condition of creating something falsely, especially documents or signatures.

Memory Tip

Think of the act of 'shaping' ('forge') something that is not real, which helps you remember that 'forgery' means creating a false document or signature.

Visually Confused Words