Ruse
ruːz
Definitions
A trick or stratagem intended to deceive someone.
ruːz
A deceptive trick or action.
The spy used a ruse to obtain the secret documents.
💡 Simply: A ruse is like a clever plan to fool someone or get what you want. Imagine you tell your friend the ice cream shop is closed when it's really open so you can have it all to yourself – that's a ruse!
👶 For kids: A ruse is a trick to make someone believe something that isn't true.
More Examples
Their apparent friendship was a ruse to gain access to the company's secrets.
The bank robbery was a ruse, and the police were immediately on the scene after the call.
The escape artist's act was a ruse that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
How It's Used
"The general used a clever ruse to distract the enemy and gain the upper hand."
"She used a ruse to get out of the boring meeting."
From Old French *ruse* 'trick, deceit', ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly from a Vulgar Latin *rusa* (compare with Provençal *rusa*). The word entered English in the late 16th century.
The word 'ruse' has been used for centuries to describe various types of deceitful schemes, and often appears in literature about war or espionage.
Memory tip
Think 'sneak ruse' - a sneaky trick.
Word Origin
"trick, deceit"