1. the acts of pretending to be someone else, especially for fraudulent purposes
Usage: formal; legal
2. theatrical representations or portrayals of characters
Usage: theatrical; formal

Examples

• The detective investigated several personations of wealthy businessmen.
• His personations of famous politicians were remarkably convincing.
• The actor’s personations brought the historical figures to life on stage.
• Identity theft often involves personations of legitimate account holders.
• The theater company was known for its brilliant personations of classical characters.
• Legal authorities take personations of government officials very seriously.