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Foist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽญ
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foist

[fษ”ษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

deceitful act

To foist means to trick someone into accepting something unwanted or to impose something upon someone without their consent. This often involves deceit or trickery to make the recipient believe they are getting something valuable or necessary.

Synonyms

force, impose, inflict, obtrude.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to foist her old clothes on me.
  • The salesman attempted to foist an overpriced warranty on the customer.
  • He foisted a fake ticket on his friend.
  • They foisted their responsibility onto someone else.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Reference

  • In literature, characters often foist responsibilities or heavy burdens onto others, causing conflict in stories.
  • Movies and plays frequently explore themes of deceit and betrayal, showcasing how one person foists trouble onto another.

Psychology

  • The act of foisting can create feelings of resentment or frustration in the person being pressured.
  • Social dynamics often involve one person foisting their beliefs or opinions onto others, affecting group harmony.

Legal

  • In legal contexts, a person can be foisted with obligations or debts that were not willingly accepted, leading to disputes.
  • Foisting can also refer to the unethical practice of imposing unwanted contracts or agreements on individuals.

Literature

  • Many Shakespearean plays feature characters who attempt to foist their desires onto others, highlighting themes of control and manipulation.
  • Modern novels often use foisting as a plot device to illustrate conflict and character development, forcing protagonists into uncomfortable situations.

Origin of 'foist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Dutch word 'foisten', which means to steal something or introduce it secretly.
  • In the early 1800s, it began to be used in English to describe the act of forcing something unwanted upon someone.

The word 'foist' is believed to originate from the early 17th century, derived from the Dutch word 'foisten', which means to steal or to cheat. It was first recorded in English in 1610 and has since evolved to signify the act of unfairly passing off something undesirable onto someone else. Over time, the term has been associated with deceitful practices, especially in trade and interpersonal relationships, indicating a breach of trust or ethics. The usage of 'foist' has remained consistent as it reflects the human experience of manipulation and trickery, making it a relevant term in discussions of honesty and integrity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,200 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.