v. coun·ter·feit·ed, coun·ter·feit·ing, coun·ter·feits v.tr. 1. To make an imitation or copy of (something), usually with the intent to defraud: counterfeits money. 2. To make a pretense of; feign: counterfeited interest in the story. v.intr. 1. To carry on a deception; dissemble. 2. To make fraudulent copies of something valuable. adj. 1. Made in imitation of what is genuine with the intent to defraud: a counterfeit dollar bill. 2. Simulated; feigned: "'You don't understand,' Morrison said with counterfeit patience" (Stephen King). n. A fraudulent imitation or facsimile. [Middle English countrefeten, from contrefet, made in imitation, from Old French contrefait, past participle of contrefaire, to counterfeit : contre-, counter- + faire, to make (from Latin facere; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] counter·feit′er n. |
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