verb
hocus
HOH-kuhs
Hocus (verb) means to trick or deceive someone. Example: “The con artist hocused the shopkeeper out of his change.”
verb
1
To trick or deceive someone.
"The con artist hocused the shopkeeper out of his change."
2
To secretly drug a drink, usually to rob or take advantage of someone.
"The victim's drink had been hocused before he was robbed."
How to use hocus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cheat, con, or secretly drug someone.
When to use it
Old-fashioned and rarely used today outside of historical or literary contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- hocuses
- Third person singular
- hocuses, hocusses
- Past tense
- hocused, hocussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The con artist _____ the shopkeeper out of his change.
Etymology
A shortened form of "hocus-pocus", the traditional magician's phrase used before a trick.
Rhymes for hocus
See all rhymes for hocus →Frequently asked questions
What does “hocus” mean?
The word “hocus” means to trick or deceive someone. In plain terms, to cheat, con, or secretly drug someone.
How do you pronounce “hocus”?
“Hocus” is pronounced HOH-kuhs (/ˈhəʊkəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “hocus” in a sentence?
Here is “hocus” used in a sentence: “The con artist hocused the shopkeeper out of his change.”
What part of speech is “hocus”?
“Hocus” is a verb.
How many meanings does “hocus” have?
“Hocus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to trick or deceive someone.
