bilk
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “bilk” mean?
verb.to obtain or withhold money from someone by deceit or without justification; to cheat.
SAT Usage
This verb is often found in contexts involving financial crime or unethical behavior, such as fraud or scams. It emphasizes a deliberate act of deception for personal gain, differentiating it from similar terms like "defraud," which specifically pertains to financial loss, while this term can also encompass broader forms of cheating or trickery.
Common Confusions
Bilk implies obtaining money through deceitful means, while defraud usually suggests causing financial loss specifically through fraud.
Do not choose bilk if the context emphasizes honest transactions or fair dealings rather than obtaining or withholding money from someone by deceit or without justification.
Example Sentences
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The contractor bilked elderly homeowners out of thousands.
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The fraudulent scheme was designed to bilk investors out of their savings.