delude
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for delude, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make someone believe something untrue, often about themselves or their situation.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
cozen
lead on
Antonyms
How to use delude
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
delude yourself
delude the public
Etymology
From Latin deludere ("to mock, deceive"), from de- plus ludere ("to play or mock") — the same root behind "ludicrous".
Full origin of 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".
