C1verbcrimemedia
US/ɪmˈpɜːr.sən.eɪt/
UK/ɪmˈpɜː.sən.eɪt/
to pretend to be another person, to trick people or to entertain them
In context
He was arrested for trying to impersonate a police officer.
She can impersonate almost any famous singer after hearing them once.
Someone impersonated my bank and sent me a fake message about my account.
Words that go with impersonate
verb + noun
- impersonate a police officerThe thief managed to impersonate a police officer at the door.
- impersonate someoneIt is a crime to impersonate someone online to steal money.
- impersonate a celebrityHe makes a living by impersonating celebrities at parties.
- impersonate a doctorThe man impersonated a doctor for several months.
adverb + verb
- illegally impersonateHe was charged with illegally impersonating a lawyer.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
impersonate as a doctorCorrect: impersonate a doctor