identity theft — the crime of obtaining and using someone else's personal information without permission, typically for financial gain
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the crime of obtaining and using someone else's personal information without permission, typically for financial gain
Pronunciation (IPA): /aɪˈdentəti θeft/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother thought identity theft meant someone literally stole her driver's license photo and put their face on it.
- Banks now use advanced encryption to protect customers from identity theft.
- He became so paranoid about identity theft that he wore sunglasses and a fake mustache to the DMV.
identity theft
NOUN[/aɪˈdentəti θeft/]
the crime of obtaining and using someone else's personal information without permission, typically for financial gain
She froze seeing strange charges — identity theft had drained her account overnight.
With deft moves, victims are left with nothing but empty wallets
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This compound term combines Latin 'identitas' (sameness, identity) with Old English 'theft' (the act of stealing). The phrase emerged in modern English to describe the criminal act of fraudulently assuming another person's identity for financial or personal gain, a concept that became legally defined only in the late 20th century.
Breakdown
identity (from Latin identitas, meaning 'sameness' or 'the fact of being the same') + theft (from Old English þeoft, meaning 'the act of stealing or taking without permission'). Together, the compound denotes the unlawful appropriation of another's personal identifying information.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother thought identity theft meant someone literally stole her driver's license photo and put their face on it.”
“Banks now use advanced encryption to protect customers from identity theft.”
“He became so paranoid about identity theft that he wore sunglasses and a fake mustache to the DMV.”
“The rise of social media has created new opportunities for identity theft.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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