English · Word Candidate

cheat

/ˈt͡ʃiːt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: cheated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To violate rules in order to gain, or attempt to gain, advantage from a situation.

Verb

Examples

My brother flunked biology because he cheated on his mid-term.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To be unfaithful to one's spouse or partner; to commit adultery, or to engage in sexual or romantic conduct with a person other than one's partner in contravention of the rules of society or agreement in the relationship.

Verb

Examples

My husband cheated on me with his secretary.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An act of deception or fraud; that which is the means of fraud or deception.

Noun

Examples

When I consider life, 'tis all a cheat.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Someone who cheats.

Noun

Examples

And he smote Corinius on his shaven jowl with the dice box, calling him cheat and mangy rascal, whereupon Corinius drew forth a bodkin to smite him in the neck withal; but some went betwixt them, and with much ado and much struggling and cursing they were parted, and it being shown that the dice wer

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cheat” mean?

To violate rules in order to gain, or attempt to gain, advantage from a situation.

Is “cheat” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.