podrobiony

Podrobiony is a Polish adjective used to describe something that has been forged or counterfeit, created to imitate a genuine item with the intent to deceive. The term applies to a wide range of objects, including documents, money, signatures, goods, and works of art, as well as to digital media in some contexts. The corresponding noun is podróbka or podrobienie; podrobiony describes the item or document as not genuine.

Etymology and usage: podrobiony comes from the verb podrobić (to counterfeit, to imitate). The prefix pod- with the verb robić (to make) conveys the idea of making an imitation rather than an original. In everyday language and in legal and administrative contexts, podrobiony emphasizes that the item has been unlawfully reproduced or altered to resemble the authentic one.

Contexts and implications: The term is common in conversations about security and legality. Examples include podrobiony dokument (forged document), podrobione pieniądze or banknoty (counterfeit money), podrobiony podpis (forged signature), and podrobiony towar (fake goods). Detecting podrobiony material often involves checking security features, serial numbers, and authentication procedures. Forgery and related activities are illegal and can lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on jurisdiction and the type of item involved. The broader legal concept is fałszowanie (forging) or podróbka, with podrobiony serving as the attributive description of the counterfeit item.