delude
Delude (verb) means to make someone believe something untrue, often about themselves or their situation. Example: “He deluded himself into thinking the business would turn a profit.”
How to use delude
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo trick someone, often yourself, into believing something false.
Usually reflexive in modern use — people "delude themselves" more often than they delude others.
Word forms
deluded past tense, deludes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ himself into thinking the business would turn a profit.
Etymology
From Latin deludere ("to mock, deceive"), from de- plus ludere ("to play or mock") — the same root behind "ludicrous".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for delude
See all rhymes for delude →Frequently asked questions
What does “delude” mean?
The word “delude” means to make someone believe something untrue, often about themselves or their situation. In plain terms, to trick someone, often yourself, into believing something false.
How do you pronounce “delude”?
“Delude” is pronounced dih-LOOD (/dɪˈluːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “delude” in a sentence?
Here is “delude” used in a sentence: “He deluded himself into thinking the business would turn a profit.”
What part of speech is “delude”?
“Delude” is a verb.
Where does the word “delude” come from?
The word “delude” comes from Latin. From Latin deludere ("to mock, deceive"), from de- plus ludere ("to play or mock") — the same root behind "ludicrous".