Deception
/dɪˈsepʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of making someone believe something that is not true; a trick or fraud.
/dɪˈsepʃən/
The act of causing someone to believe something that is not true.
He was caught in a web of deception.
💡 Simply: Deception is like when you trick someone, like hiding the fact that you ate the last cookie, even though you promised your sibling you wouldn't!
👶 For kids: Deception is when you trick someone into believing something that isn't true.
More Examples
The magician's act relied on skillful deception.
She felt betrayed by his deception.
How It's Used
"The politician was accused of deception by withholding crucial information."
"Studies have explored the psychological effects of deception on relationships."
"Deception is a common theme in classic literature, often driving the plot forward."
Something that is deceptive; an illusion or misleading appearance.
/dɪˈsepʃən/
A thing that deceives or gives a false impression.
The use of mirrors created a deception of space.
💡 Simply: It's like a magic trick, something that looks real but isn't. Think of how the magician tricked your eyes.
👶 For kids: When something tricks your eyes or makes you think something is real when it isn't.
More Examples
The camouflage was a clever deception.
How It's Used
"The painting used optical deception to create a three-dimensional effect."
"The designer used visual deception in the advertisement."
Idioms & expressions
a game of deception
A situation where people are trying to trick each other.
"Their negotiations turned into a dangerous game of deception."
under false pretenses
Using a lie or deception to get something or to do something.
"He gained access to the secret documents under false pretenses."
From Middle English *disceivinge*, from Old French *deception* or directly from Latin *deceptio*, from *decipere* ('to deceive'), from *de-* ('away') + *capere* ('to take').
The term 'deception' has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to the act of deceiving or being deceived.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'deceive'. Deception is the *act* of deceiving someone.