An imposter is someone who deceives by assuming a false identity. Find out the origin, pronunciation, and translations of the word imposter , and see examples of its usage and contrast with imposture. Impostor definition : a person who practices deception under an assumed character, identity, or name.. See examples of IMPOSTOR used in a sentence. History and Origin The word “ imposter ” comes from the Latin imponere, meaning “to place upon” or “to deceive.” It entered English in the early 16th century, initially referring to someone who deceives by assuming a false identity. The term was closely associated with fraudulence and trickery, particularly in social or professional contexts. Over time, it expanded in use to describe anyone who presents themselves dishonestly, whether in a formal setting or casual encounter. Over time, ' impostor ' evolved into ' imposter ' in English, retaining its fundamental meaning of an individual who assumes a false identity or persona to mislead or deceive others.
