phish

American

[fish] / fɪʃ /

Sometimes brand spoof

verb (used without object)

to try to obtain financial or other confidential information from internet users, typically by sending an email that looks as if it is from a legitimate organization, usually a financial institution, but contains a link to a fake website that replicates the real one.

verb (used with object)

to make (someone) a victim in this way.

If you've been phished, you should cancel your credit cards immediately.

Other Word Forms

phisher noun

Etymology

Origin of phish

First recorded in 1995–2000; respelling (influenced by phreak ) of fish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lipschultz decorated his office with Phish memorabilia and sneakers from his collection of rare Air Jordans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Perhaps midway through a snoozy fourth round, when Money and Pac are leaning on each other like a pair of stragglers at the pub, the Sphere can beam “The Wizard of Oz” or a college-football game onto its Central Park-sized video screen, or simply plug in Phish.

From The Wall Street Journal

One outside executive told The Times that the team behind Phish and Dave Matthews Band, two of Wasserman’s lucrative touring acts, could potentially be the next big departure.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Weir’s influence was immediate on artists and jam bands of the 1970s and beyond, including the Allman Brothers Band, Phish, Dave Matthews Band and Wilco.

From The Wall Street Journal

Phish wins the fan vote but misses the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s cut for its class of 2025, which includes Outkast, the White Stripes, Joe Cocker and more.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023