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Deceive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deceive

[dɪˈsiːv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in relationships

To deceive means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain an advantage.

Synonyms

cheat, fool, mislead, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deceive

Generally used when someone is intentionally hiding the truth or giving a false impression. It carries a serious tone.

  • She was deeply hurt when she realized he had deceived her about his finances.
  • The company deceived customers by advertising false benefits of their products.
mislead

Typically used when someone is given false or inaccurate information that leads them to the wrong conclusions. It is used in formal or serious contexts.

  • The advertisement misled customers about the product's quality.
  • The data was misleading and caused them to make poor decisions.
trick

Used in contexts where someone is led into a trap or deceived by clever means. Can be used in both playful and serious situations.

  • He loves to trick his friends with harmless pranks.
  • The con artist tricked the couple into giving him their life savings.
cheat

Often used in contexts involving breaking rules to gain an advantage, such as in games, exams, or relationships. It has a negative connotation.

  • He was caught trying to cheat on the final exam.
  • She felt betrayed when she found out he had been cheating on her.
fool

Used when someone is tricked or made to look silly. It is less serious and can sometimes be light-hearted.

  • You can't fool me with that old trick.
  • The magician fooled the audience with his amazing illusions.

Examples of usage

  • He deceived her into thinking he was wealthy.
  • She felt deceived by his lies.
  • Don't deceive yourself into thinking it will all be okay.
  • I can't believe he would deceive us like that.
  • Stop trying to deceive me with your false promises.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that deception can stimulate the brain's reward pathways, making it feel pleasurable for some.
  • Research suggests that people are more likely to believe a lie if they want to believe it, showcasing a link between desire and deception.
  • Nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and body language, can impact how successfully someone can deceive another.

Literature

  • Deceit is a common theme in classic literature, often explored in works like Shakespeare's 'Othello' and 'Macbeth'.
  • Aesop's fables frequently included moral lessons about the consequences of deceit, teaching readers to value honesty.
  • Modern novels often depict complex characters whose actions are rooted in deceit, adding depth to their motivations.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Catch Me If You Can' highlight how deception can lead to intriguing and entertaining stories.
  • Reality television often blurs the lines of truth, showcasing how deception can create drama and conflict.
  • Social media has created new forms of deception, where people curate their lives, sometimes presenting a false reality.

Ethics

  • Philosophers debate the morality of deception, especially in situations where it may protect feelings or prevent harm.
  • In ethical discussions, honesty is often positioned as a virtue, with deception seen as a challenge to moral integrity.
  • The concept of 'white lies' raises questions about the limits and justification of deception for perceived good.

Origin of 'deceive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'deceive' comes from the Latin 'decipere', meaning 'to ensnare' or 'to take in'.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'decevoir', which means 'to disappoint'.
  • The first known use of 'deceive' in English dates back to the 14th century.

The word 'deceive' originated from the Old French word 'deceivre', which came from the Latin word 'decipere', meaning 'to ensnare, deceive'. The concept of deception has been present throughout history, with various forms of deceit being used for personal gain, power, or manipulation.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,478 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.