fake

fake · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (adjective) Not genuine; counterfeit or fraudulent.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A thing that is not genuine; a forgery or imitation.

  3. 3.

    (noun) A person who falsely claims to be something they are not.

  4. 4.

    (verb) To make something appear genuine when it is not.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fake news — false or misleading information presented as news
  • •
    fake it till you make it — pretend to be capable until success comes
  • •
    fake out — deceive or trick someone

Related words

Antonyms: authentic, genuine, real
See also: counterfeit, faked, faking, genuine
Synonyms: counterfeit, false, fraudulent, phony

Etymology

Origin uncertain. Possibly from German fegen meaning "to sweep, clean" (thieves' slang for "to clean out"), or from faken meaning "to do, make." First recorded in English in the late 18th century as thieves' slang.