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

These don’t meet ACA standards because they often exclude essential healthcare services and can mislead consumers into thinking an illness or treatment is covered — learning the truth only when they try to obtain coverage.

From Los Angeles Times

The CMA, a government regulator, told the BBC it could not comment on specific cases, but said businesses must not mislead their customers and any claims about products "must be honest and transparent".

From BBC

The 2024 U.S. presidential campaign has featured some notable deepfakes — AI-powered impersonations of candidates that sought to mislead voters or demean the candidates being targeted.

From Los Angeles Times

“My opponent is running a campaign trying to mislead voters,” Gray said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Grenfell Inquiry's Phase 2 report heavily criticised Celotex for launching a "dishonest scheme to mislead its customers" over the suitability of its insulation for use on high-rise buildings.

From BBC

Related Words

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