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

Related Words

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