to cheat or defraud someone of money or something of value
example
The con artist managed to bilk unsuspecting investors out of millions of dollars by promising unrealistic returns.
synonyms
cheatdefraudswindle
word origin — The word 'bilk' originates from the early 17th century, likely derived from a dialect word from the Lincolnshire dialect meaning 'to cheat' or 'to escape,' and is believed to have links to the Old English word 'bilcan,' which means 'to deceive or cheat.'
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 296
Set 296 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: bilk, condole, doff, scuttle, flit. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
bilk · verb/bɪlk/
to cheat or defraud someone of money or something of value
The con artist managed to bilk unsuspecting investors out of millions of dollars by promising unrealistic returns.
Synonyms: cheat, defraud, swindle
Origin: The word 'bilk' originates from the early 17th century, likely derived from a dialect word from the Lincolnshire dialect meaning 'to cheat' or 'to escape,' and is believed to have links to the Old English word 'bilcan,' which means 'to deceive or cheat.'
condole · verb/kənˈdoʊl/
to express sympathy or sorrow for someone who is experiencing grief or loss
She went to condole with the family after their tragic loss, offering her heartfelt sympathy.
Synonyms: commiserate, sympathize, console
Origin: from Middle English 'condolen', from Latin 'condolere', meaning 'to suffer together'
doff · verb/dɔf/
to remove a piece of clothing or to take off a hat as a sign of respect
He doffed his hat in respect as the procession passed by.
Synonyms: remove, take off, unhat
Origin: The word 'doff' comes from the combination of the prefix 'do' and the word 'off', originally used in the phrase 'do off' meaning to take off.
scuttle · verb/ˈskʌtəl/
to run hurriedly with short quick steps
The children scuttled across the playground to reach the swings before anyone else could.
Synonyms: scamper, hasten, dart
Origin: Originated in the early 19th century, possibly from a combination of 'scut' (to run away) and the suffix '-le', or possibly from earlier 'scuttle' meaning to move quickly.
flit · verb/flɪt/
to move swiftly and lightly
The butterflies flit from flower to flower in the garden, creating a beautiful display of colors.
Synonyms: dart, skim, flick
Origin: Middle English 'fliten', of uncertain origin; possibly related to Old Norse 'flīta' meaning 'to fly'.