malinger

Definition

To feign illness, injury, or incapacitation in order to avoid work, obligation, or perilous risk.

Etymology

From French malingrer, from adjective malingre (“delicate, fragile”).

Example Sentences

• "It is not uncommon on exam days for several students to malinger rather than prepare themselves."
• "And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully! / Smoothed by long fingers, / Asleep … tired … or it malingers, / Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me."
• "It has been the impression of past investigators that persons who malinger psychosis have latent tendencies for the condition."