noun
Uncommon
deception
dih-SEHP-shuhn
Deception (noun) means an action or scheme designed to make someone believe something untrue. Example: “The fraud involved an elaborate deception spanning several years.”
noun
1
An action or scheme designed to make someone believe something untrue.
"The fraud involved an elaborate deception spanning several years."
"Magicians rely on deception to create their illusions."
"She saw through his deception when his story changed for the third time."
How to use deception
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of tricking someone, or a specific trick used to mislead.
Common pairings
practice deception
an elaborate deception
uncover the deception
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Word forms
- Plural
- deceptions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fraud involved an elaborate _____ spanning several years.
Etymology
From Latin decipere, "to deceive," via Old French decepcion.
Synonyms
View more →
trickery
deceit
fraud
subterfuge
duplicity
illusion
dissembling
conjuration
dissimulation
misrepresentation
legerdemain
magic
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deception
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for deception →
Frequently asked questions
What does “deception” mean?
The word “deception” means an action or scheme designed to make someone believe something untrue. In plain terms, the act of tricking someone, or a specific trick used to mislead.
How do you pronounce “deception”?
“Deception” is pronounced dih-SEHP-shuhn (/dɪˈsɛpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “deception” in a sentence?
Here is “deception” used in a sentence: “The fraud involved an elaborate deception spanning several years.”
What part of speech is “deception”?
“Deception” is a noun.
Where does the word “deception” come from?
The word “deception” comes from Latin. From Latin decipere, "to deceive," via Old French decepcion.
Is “deception” a common word?
“Deception” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "deception" and "lie"?
"Deception" refers to an action or scheme designed to make someone believe something untrue, which can be broader than a single false statement. A "lie" is typically one specific false statement, while deception can involve a lie, a series of lies, or misleading actions and appearances working together.
What is the difference between "deception" and "fraud"?
"Deception" is the general act of making someone believe something untrue, while "fraud" specifically refers to deception used to gain something illegally, often money or property. Fraud is therefore a narrower, legal term for deception carried out for unlawful gain.
What verbs commonly go with "deception", as in "practice deception"?
Common collocations include "practice deception," "use deception," "engage in deception," and "detect deception." These phrases describe both the act of deceiving and the process of uncovering it.
