mislead

[ mis-leed ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·led, mis·lead·ing.

1. to lead or guide wrongly; lead astray.

   Synonyms: misdirect, misguide

2. to lead into error of conduct, thought, or judgment.

   Synonyms: deceive, delude

verb (used without object)

, mis·led, mis·lead·ing.

1. to be misleading; tend to deceive:

   vague directions that often mislead.

mislead

/ mɪsˈliːd /

verb

1. to give false or misleading information to
2. to lead or guide in the wrong direction

Derived Forms

• misˈleader, noun

Other Words From

• mis·leader noun
• unmis·led adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mislead¹

before 1050; Middle English misleden, Old English mislǣdan. See mis- ¹, lead ¹

Example Sentences

Logan Paul, the massively popular social media personality, is facing fresh questions over his cryptocurrency dealings amid ongoing concerns he may have profited from misleading fans.

From BBC

Even as De León backed the new law, he cautioned that he didn’t want to “mislead folks” into believing “a special force field” will protect them from deportation in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The management company denies misleading tenants and contends that the terms of residency, including potential rent increases, were clearly outlined in the contracts that they signed.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC has spoken to 12 small businesses who say they were misled.

From BBC

“The fact that anybody would use deeply flawed and misleading rankings as part of their strategic plan for a university is appalling,” Dr. Diermeier said in an interview.

From New York Times

Related Words

• betray
• cheat
• deceive
• defraud
• delude
• dupe
• entice
• fool
• fudge
• hoodwink
• lie
• misguide
• misinform
• misrepresent
• tempt