hoodwink

[ hood-wingk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deceive or trick.

   Synonyms: gyp, swindle, cheat, dupe

2. Archaic. to blindfold.
3. Obsolete. to cover or hide.

hoodwink

/ ˈhʊdˌwɪŋk /

verb

1. to dupe; trick
2. obsolete.
   to cover or hide

Derived Forms

• ˈhoodˌwinker, noun

Other Words From

• hood·wink·a·ble adjective
• hood·wink·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoodwink¹

First recorded in 1555–65; hood ¹ + wink ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoodwink¹

C16: originally, to cover the eyes with a hood, blindfold

Example Sentences

Wolff also encouraged social critics to not be hoodwinked by "simple-minded arguments" that attempt to turn people off from all left-wing politics through generic vilification of bureaucrats.

From Salon

A vulnerable widower has been left homeless and "truly suffering" after being hoodwinked into sending £85,000 to a woman who never existed.

From BBC

Shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt has meanwhile accused Ms Reeves of an "utterly bogus attempt to hoodwink the public".

From BBC

Rare is the adult who hasn’t been hoodwinked by somebody somewhere.

From Salon

Another example of agent Scott Boras hoodwinking one of their own, they said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bamboozle
• bilk
• defraud
• dupe
• mislead
• swindle
• victimize