Mountebank

A mountebank is a person who deceives others, especially in order to trick them out of their money; a charlatan or fraud. This term originates from the late 16th century, referring initially to itinerant sellers of medicines, who often entertained crowds with flamboyant performances to attract attention. The term now broadly refers to anyone who engages in deception or fraud, especially in business or politics.

Mountebank meaning with examples

• At the fair, the mountebank sold elixirs promising to cure all ailments, captivating the crowd with his exaggerated claims and theatrical flair. Many were fooled, handing over their money in hopes of miraculous healing from the snake oil he peddled.
• Throughout history, mountebanks have exploited the desperate, offering false promises of wealth and success. Their charm can mask malicious intent, leading unsuspecting individuals to follow their deceptive advice, often with disastrous consequences.
• In the world of finance, the mountebank can be especially dangerous. They present themselves as expert investors, luring in clients with guarantees of high returns, only to vanish with their funds, leaving victims in financial ruin.
• The politician's fiery speeches and grand promises made him a modern-day mountebank, captivating the electorate while hiding a history of dishonesty and manipulation that left many wary of his true intentions.
• Having been exposed as a mountebank, the so-called 'life coach' drew the ire of former clients who had once trusted his guidance, only to realize too late that he was merely a fraud seeking to profit from their vulnerability.