hoax

[ hohks ]

noun

1. something intended to deceive or defraud:

   The Piltdown man was a scientific hoax.

   Synonyms: humbug, imposture, fake, fraud, deception

verb (used with object)

1. to deceive by a hoax; hoodwink.

hoax

/ həʊks /

noun

1. a deception, esp a practical joke

verb

1. tr to deceive or play a joke on (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈhoaxer, noun

Other Words From

• hoaxer noun
• un·hoaxed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoax¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; perhaps contraction of hocus

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoax¹

C18: probably from hocus

Example Sentences

But there was something even more significant: For a generation, conservatives — not just the far right, which Crusius appeared to identify with — had propelled the notion that climate change was a hoax fabricated so the government could impose new restrictions on the economy and society.

From Salon

Near the end of the session someone in the audience asked why the center was publishing reports about climate change if it was a hoax?

From Salon

From August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made more than 375 “swatting” and threatening hoax calls, including calls in which he threatened to detonate bombs or conduct mass shootings at targeted locations, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Simon Cowell, Justin Bieber, Ashton Kutcher and Miley Cyrus are all victims of the hoax known as ‘swatting.’

From Los Angeles Times

It’s unclear if he was ever paid to make a hoax call or had any clients.

From Los Angeles Times