false flag

American  

[fawls flag] / ˈfɔls ˈflæg /

noun

1. an attack or other hostile action that obscures the identity of the participants carrying out the action while implicating another group or nation as the perpetrator (often used attributively): The false flag terrorist attack lured the military into a hasty response.

   Evidence suggests that the covert operation was a false flag.

   The false flag terrorist attack lured the military into a hasty response.

2. a misrepresentation of affiliation or motivation or a false equivalence deliberately put forth to manipulate the context, perception, or frame of an action, object, or argument (often used attributively).

   Public schools are losing tax dollars to private schools under the false flag of school vouchers expanding parental choice.

3. a flag flown to disguise the nationality or affiliation of a vessel, vehicle, or base of operations.

   Surviving sailors reported that the privateer was flying a false flag on approach and attacked as soon as cannons were in range.

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Usage

What is a false flag? A false flag is intentional misrepresentation, especially a covert political or military operation carried out to appear as if it was undertaken by another party.

Etymology

Origin of false flag

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

And he declared, as Alex Jones was battling lawsuits over his claims that the child victims of the Sandy Hook shooting were actors in a false flag operation, that Jones “did nothing wrong.”

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026

The tanker flew the flag of Guinea, but an on-board inspection confirmed suspicions that it was sailing under a false flag, the office said.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

On Thursday, the French navy intercepted the tanker - named the Grinch - which President Emmanuel Macron said was "subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag".

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

It said: "The ship, initially flying a false flag, turned off its transponders while at sea and sought to reflag while being pursued."

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

As for English ships, it was a time of war, and none durst show their prows in the harbour, save under a false flag.

From Kilgorman A Story of Ireland in 1798 by Reed, Talbot Baines