grift

verb

ˈgrift

grifted; grifting; grifts

transitive verb

: to obtain (money or property) illicitly (as in a confidence game)

intransitive verb

: to acquire money or property illicitly

grift noun

grifter noun

Examples of grift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Austin residents are reporting an influx of scammers attempting to grift personal, financial information, Austin Energy officials said Thursday. —Cross Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Aug. 2024 But a clumsy execution could undermine Trump’s attempt to ingratiate himself, perpetuating the impression that the crypto industry is a breeding ground for scams and grift. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

grift, noun, perhaps alteration of graft

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of grift was in 1902

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

griffs

grift

grig

See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Grift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grift. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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