ruse

¹

[ rooz ]

noun

1. a trick, stratagem, or artifice.

Ruse

²

[ roo-sey ]

noun

1. a city in N Bulgaria, on the Danube.

Ruse

¹

/ ˈruːseɪ /

noun

1. a city in NE Bulgaria, on the River Danube: the chief river port and one of the largest industrial centres in Bulgaria. Pop: 172 000 (2005 est)

ruse

²

/ ruːz /

noun

1. an action intended to mislead, deceive, or trick; stratagem

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruse¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (noun use of obsolete rusen to detour) < Middle French, derivative of ruser to retreat. See rush ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruse¹

C15: from Old French: trick, esp to evade capture, from ruser to retreat, from Latin recūsāre to refuse

Synonym Study

See trick.

Example Sentences

They have said his appeals to working-class voters are a ruse to help his wealthy friends.

From Los Angeles Times

“Anatomy of Lies” is based on Vanity Fair’s “Scene Stealer” report in May 2022 that chronicled Finch’s ruse and how she climbed the ranks behind the scenes in the writers room.

From Los Angeles Times

It is hard to say it did not add to the anticipation, especially with the social media rivalry between the owners - although, unsurprisingly, that turned out to be something of a ruse.

From BBC

She had worked her way into elite circles in New York City in a ruse that lasted for years.

From BBC

The FBI, already aware of his espionage activities "hired Ma as part of a ruse to monitor and investigate his activities and contacts", prosecutors said on Wednesday.

From BBC

Related Words

• feint
• game plan
• gimmick
• hoax
• ploy
• sham
• stratagem
• stunt
• subterfuge