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forgery

FOR-juh-ree /ˈfɔːrdʒəri/

nounC1GRE

formallegal

The action of falsely making or materially altering a written instrument, such as a document or signature, with the intent to defraud.

Forgery involves creating a fake document or signature, or altering an existing one, specifically with the intent to deceive and often for financial gain. It's about creating a false representation of authenticity.

The story behind the word. The word 'forgery' comes from the Old French 'forger,' meaning 'to make, fashion, construct,' which itself derived from the Latin 'fabricare,' 'to fashion, frame, build.' While 'forge' originally referred to shaping metal, it evolved to mean 'to invent, fabricate' in the sense of creating something false. By the 15th century, 'forgery' specifically denoted the crime of fraudulently imitating documents or signatures, linking the act of creation with deception.

Word relationships

counterfeiting: Specifically refers to making unauthorized copies of currency, documents, or goods.
falsification: The act of making something false, often data or records, not necessarily a document or signature.

authenticity: The quality of being genuine or real.
original: The first or earliest form of something, from which copies are made.

Word family

forge (verb): To make or shape (a metal object) by heating it in a fire or furnace and beating or hammering it. (Also, to produce a fraudulent copy or imitation of (a document, signature, banknote, or work of art).)
forger (noun): A person who commits forgery.

Collocations

commit forgery
charges of forgery
document forgery
signature forgery

Example sentences

"The art dealer was arrested for forgery after selling several paintings with falsified provenance documents." Reporting on a criminal case.
"Signing someone else's name on a check without their permission constitutes forgery." Discussing legal definitions.

Memory hook

FORGERY is when someone FORGES a signature, like a blacksmith FORGES metal, but for a dishonest purpose. Forge a fake

When not to use

Do not use 'forgery' for simply writing a false statement (that would be libel or slander) or for creating a fake item that isn't intended to pass as an authentic document (e.g., a prop for a play).

Fun facts

The term 'forgery' can apply to a wide range of items, from historical documents and works of art to passports, checks, and even academic transcripts.

Related words

defraud, illicit

Explore more words

counterfeit, forge, fabricate, spurious, disinformation, deceitful