deceive — to make someone believe something that is not true
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make someone believe something that is not true
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈsiːv/
Example Sentences
- The magician deceived the audience with his clever tricks.
- Don't try to deceive me - I saw you eating my chocolate cake!
- She deceived herself into thinking she could pass the exam without studying.
deceive
VERB[/dɪˈsiːv/]
to make someone believe something that is not true
The scammer deceived hundreds of people with fake investment promises.
The spy deceived enemy forces by disguising himself as a local worker. (DISGUISE + BELIEVE = DECEIVE → causing false belief intentionally)
They believed the lies at first, but later grieved after discovering the deception.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'decipere', composed of the prefix 'de-' (completely) and the verb 'capere' (to seize or catch). The original sense was 'to catch completely' or 'to ensnare', metaphorically depicting the act of trapping or outwitting someone through deception, much like a hunter capturing prey in a trap.
Breakdown
de- (completely) + capere (to seize, to catch) = decipere (to ensnare, to trap). The prefix 'de-' intensifies the action of 'capere', creating the sense of catching someone completely off guard through cunning or falsehood.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The magician deceived the audience with his clever tricks.”
“Don't try to deceive me - I saw you eating my chocolate cake!”
“She deceived herself into thinking she could pass the exam without studying.”
“The politician was caught trying to deceive voters about his past.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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