noun
subterfuge
SUHB-tuhr-fyoozh
Subterfuge (noun) means a trick or deceptive scheme used to avoid something or achieve a hidden goal. Example: “He resorted to subterfuge to avoid answering the committee's questions.”
noun
1
A trick or deceptive scheme used to avoid something or achieve a hidden goal.
"He resorted to subterfuge to avoid answering the committee's questions."
"The spy used subterfuge to slip past the guards unnoticed."
How to use subterfuge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSneaky trickery used to dodge a problem or hide the truth.
When to use it
A fairly formal, literary word — everyday speech would more likely say "trick" or "deception."
Common pairings
resort to subterfuge
political subterfuge
through subterfuge
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Word forms
- Plural
- subterfuges
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He resorted to _____ to avoid answering the committee's questions.
Etymology
From Middle French subterfuge, from Medieval Latin subterfugium, from Latin subterfugere ("to flee secretly"), from subter ("under, secretly") plus fugere ("to flee").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for subterfuge
See all rhymes for subterfuge →Frequently asked questions
What does “subterfuge” mean?
The word “subterfuge” means a trick or deceptive scheme used to avoid something or achieve a hidden goal. In plain terms, sneaky trickery used to dodge a problem or hide the truth.
How do you pronounce “subterfuge”?
“Subterfuge” is pronounced SUHB-tuhr-fyoozh (/ˈsʌbtəɹˌfjuː(d)ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “subterfuge” in a sentence?
Here is “subterfuge” used in a sentence: “He resorted to subterfuge to avoid answering the committee's questions.”
What part of speech is “subterfuge”?
“Subterfuge” is a noun.
Where does the word “subterfuge” come from?
The word “subterfuge” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French subterfuge, from Medieval Latin subterfugium, from Latin subterfugere ("to flee secretly"), from subter ("under, secretly") plus fugere ("to flee").
