stolen valor
"Stolen valor" involves deceitful claims about military service to gain respect or benefits.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Falsely claiming to have served in the military or achieved military honors.
Example
- He was caught committing stolen valor by wearing medals he never earned.
C1Law
(formal)Falsely claiming military service or honors to receive financial benefits or other rewards.
Example
- She was prosecuted under the stolen valor law for accepting donations based on false military claims.
C1Figurative
(figurative)Falsely claiming membership in any respected group to gain respect or advantages.
Example
- His claim to be a Nobel laureate was a clear case of stolen valor.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stolen valor":