befool

[ bih-fool ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fool; deceive; dupe.

   Synonyms: cheat, mislead, delude, bamboozle, swindle

2. Obsolete. to treat as a fool; call (someone) a fool.

befool

/ bɪˈfuːl /

verb

1. tr to make a fool of

Word History and Origins

Origin of befool¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, befool is from the Middle English word befolen. See be-, fool ¹

Example Sentences

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it referred to "a hoax; a jesting or befooling trick," as well as any "thing which is not really what it pretends to be," like a sham or fraud.

From Salon

That she had been befooling him; that she loved Frederick St. John with an impassioned lasting love, appeared to him as clear as the stars in a frosty sky.

From Project Gutenberg

Methinks one or both of them is befooled by first love.'

From Project Gutenberg

She saw this man Paroff's hand; and here was the chance to befool and humiliate him and send him off packing to his cold and miserable country.

From Project Gutenberg

Erbury then declared that the wisest ministers and the purest churches were at that time befooled, confounded, and defiled by reason of learning.

From Project Gutenberg