deception

[ dih-sep-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of deceiving; the state of being deceived.
2. something that deceives or is intended to deceive; fraud; artifice.

   Synonyms: imposture, hoax, wile, ruse, stratagem, trick

deception

/ dɪˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. the act of deceiving or the state of being deceived
2. something that deceives; trick

Other Words From

• nonde·ception noun
• prede·ception noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deception¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English decepcioun, from Old French, from Late Latin dēceptiōn-, stem of dēceptiō “deceitfulness,” from Latin dēcept(us) “deceived” (past participle of dēcipere; deceive ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

By the time Sister Barnes accuses her captor of touting a magic trick as a miracle and Sister Paxton discovers the caged women, the film reveals its own deception.

From Los Angeles Times

The anti-abortion movement has built itself on decades of organized deception, but Trump’s added twist is to take credit and reject blame at the same time.

From Salon

The most hardline migration-sceptics argue that the deception goes even deeper – they claim that it is the result of a fundamental presumption baked into the political system in favour of large-scale migration.

From BBC

The couple reunited when he was on leave, but her mother's deception meant the relationship was doomed.

From BBC

Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff said there had been a lack of openness from the authorities and elements of "downright deception", including the destruction of documents.

From BBC

Related Words

• betrayal
• deceit
• disinformation
• duplicity
• falsehood
• fraud
• hypocrisy
• lying
• mendacity
• treachery
• trickery
• untruth