I rip off image (4)
I believe the answer is:
icon
'image' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'i rip off' is the wordplay.
'rip off' becomes 'con' (conning is a kind of ripping off).
'i'+'con'='ICON'
(Other definitions for icon that I've seen before include "object of admiration" , "Coin (anag)" , "A representative or sacred picture" , "Representation on wooden panel of saint" , "Holy painting" .)