Feint: meaning, definitions and examples

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feint

[feɪnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in fencing

A feint is a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing.

Synonyms

bluff, deception, pretense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
feint	Used in situations where someone pretends to make a move or action in order to deceive an opponent, often in sports or combat. The boxer made a feint to the right before delivering a powerful left hook. She executed a quick feint to confuse the defender and scored the goal.
deception	A general term for any act of misleading or deceiving. Often used in situations where there is a significant and intentional act of lying or trickery. The company's deception about the safety of its products led to a major scandal. He was known for his skills in deception, often tricking people into believing his lies.
pretense	Used to describe a false appearance or action intended to deceive. Often implies that someone is pretending to be something they are not. She called him under the pretense of needing help with a project, but she really just wanted to talk. His friendliness was just a pretense to get closer to her.
bluff	Commonly used in gambling or competitive situations where someone pretends to hold a stronger position or hand than they actually do. It can also refer to trying to deceive someone with confident but false statements. He decided to bluff and went all-in, even though he had a weak hand. She bluffed her way through the interview, pretending she had more experience than she really did.

Examples of usage

He feinted to the left before delivering a powerful strike to the right.
The fencer used a feint to distract his opponent before launching a quick attack.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in sports

To feint is to make a deceptive or distracting movement, especially in order to deceive an opponent.

Synonyms

deceive, distract, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
feint	This word is often used in sports or combat situations where someone pretends to make a move to confuse their opponent. The boxer used a feint to trick his opponent into lowering his guard. She made a feint to the right before quickly moving to the left.
deceive	This word is commonly used when someone intentionally makes someone believe something that is not true. It has a negative connotation. He managed to deceive the public with his false promises. She felt betrayed when she discovered he had deceived her for years.
trick	This word is used when someone is trying to fool someone, often in a playful or harmless way, but it can also have a negative implication depending on the situation. They played a trick on their friend by hiding his phone. She tricked him into thinking the meeting was canceled.
distract	This word is used when someone tries to divert attention away from something or someone. The noise outside distracted the students during their exam. He tried to distract her by pointing out something interesting on the other side of the room.

Examples of usage

The football player feinted to the right before cutting left to evade the defender.
She feinted a pass before taking the shot herself.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old French 'feinte,' which means a feigned act or trick.
It was adopted into English in the 15th century, initially used in the context of fencing.
Related words include 'feigned' and 'faint,' which reflect acts of pretending or lacking strength.

Sports

In boxing and martial arts, a feint is used to mislead an opponent, creating an opening for a real attack.
Athletes use feints in soccer to divert defenders, allowing them to navigate through opponents more easily.
Feinting is an essential tactic in many team sports, often leading to successful plays by outsmarting the competition.

Psychology

Understanding feints involves recognizing nonverbal signals and intent, crucial in social interactions.
Feinting showcases elements of deception, which play a vital role in human interactions and cognitive processes.
Studies suggest that individuals can improve their ability to detect feints through experience and strategic thinking.

Literature

Feints appear often in storytelling, used to build tension or create plot twists that surprise readers.
Classic literature often features characters who employ feints to outwit enemies, revealing deeper motives and strategies.
Authors play with feints in narrative styles, misleading readers about character intentions until revelations unfold.

Cultural References

In film and television, characters often use feints in fight scenes to illustrate cunning and agility.
Feints can be seen in famous duels or battles depicted in history and popular media, emphasizing strategy.
The concept of feinting is prevalent in video games, especially in genres that require strategic moves and combat.

Translations

Translations of the word "feint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 finta

🇮🇳 छलावा

🇩🇪 Täuschung

🇮🇩 tipuan

🇺🇦 удавання

🇵🇱 zwód

🇯🇵 フェイント

🇫🇷 feinte

🇪🇸 finta

🇹🇷 aldatma

🇰🇷 속임수

🇸🇦 مراوغة

🇨🇿 klam

🇸🇰 klam

🇨🇳 佯攻

🇸🇮 finta

🇮🇸 blekking

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 დასმენა

🇦🇿 aldatma

🇲🇽 finta

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,849, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27846 renegotiate
27847 decreeing
27848 entente
27849 feint
27850 excelling
27851 cranking
27852 subtext
...