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Tricked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tricked

[trɪkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The term 'tricked' is the past tense of the verb 'trick'. It refers to the act of deceiving or misleading someone, often for amusement or to achieve an advantage. This action can involve cleverness or cunning, and is usually meant to cause the target to believe something that is not true. In informal contexts, it could imply a harmless prank, while in serious contexts, it could denote manipulation or betrayal.

Synonyms

deceived, duped, fooled, misled.

Examples of usage

  • She tricked her friend into believing it was her birthday.
  • He was tricked into investing in a fraudulent scheme.
  • They tricked the guests with a clever magic act.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In the classic fairy tale 'Hansel and Gretel,' the children are tricked by a witch into going to her candy house.
  • The term is prevalent in various games and pranks, like 'trick or treat' during Halloween, where people playfully deceive others for candies.

Psychology

  • Being tricked can activate feelings of surprise and embarrassment, as it often plays on trust.
  • Cognitive biases, like the 'Dunning-Kruger effect,' make some individuals more susceptible to being tricked due to overestimating their knowledge.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Othello,' manipulation and deceit lead to tragic outcomes, showcasing the consequences of being tricked.
  • The character of Loki in Norse mythology is known for tricking gods and humans alike, illustrating a theme of deception.

Magic and Illusion

  • Magicians rely on principles of misdirection to trick audiences into believing impossible feats.
  • The art of illusion is about creating a reality that misleads the viewer, similar to how one is tricked in daily life.

Origin of 'tricked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'trichier,' meaning to deceive or cheat.
  • It has roots in Middle English, where it was used to describe sly or cunning behavior.

The word 'trick' originates from the Middle English term 'trik', which is derived from the Old French 'trique', meaning 'a deceitful act or subterfuge'. The use of 'trick' as a noun can be traced back to the 14th century, while the verb form began to emerge in the same period, signifying the act of causing someone to believe something false. Over time, 'tricked' has evolved into a common part of the English lexicon, conveying a wide range of meanings from harmless pranks to serious acts of deception. Its versatility has made 'trick' and its derivatives prevalent in various idiomatic expressions, reflecting cultural attitudes towards cunning and deception throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,403, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.