verb
prevaricate
Prevaricate (verb) means to turn away from the right or proper course.
verb
1
To turn away from the right or proper course.
2
To avoid giving a clear or direct answer on purpose.
"The people saw the politician prevaricate every day."
3
(law) To secretly work with the accused so that a court case fails.
4
To pretend to carry something out while secretly meaning to ruin it.
Easily confused with
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Etymology
Borrowed from Latin praevāricātus, perfect active participle of praevāricor (“to walk crookedly; to play a false or double part”), from prae- + vāricō (“to stand with feet apart, straddle”), from vāricus (“with feet spread apart”); see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prevaricate
See all rhymes for prevaricate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of prevaricate?
"prevaricate" (verb) means to turn away from the right or proper course.
What is another word for prevaricate?
Other words for "prevaricate" include equivocate, tergiversate, palter.
What are the different meanings of prevaricate?
"prevaricate" has 3 main meanings: 1. To turn away from the right or proper course; 2. To avoid giving a clear or direct answer on purpose; 3. (law) To secretly work with the accused so that a court case fails.
