Impersonate
/ɪmˈpɜːrsəneɪt/noun
To pretend to be another person, especially to deceive or entertain.
Did you know?Its deepest roots go back to Latin persona, the stage mask—so the word still carries the ancient idea that identity is something you can wear, perform, or conceal.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
persona
“a mask worn by an actor; a role or character”
Late Latin
Latin
impersonare
“to represent in a role; to personify”
Middle French
French
impersoner
“to personate, represent as another”
16th Century
English
impersonate
“to personate; to represent the character or appearance of”
Modern English
English
impersonate
“to pretend to be another person, often to deceive”
Explore more surprising origins