hoax

hoax · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A humorous or malicious deception; something intended to deceive or trick.

  2. 2.

    (As verb) To deceive someone with a hoax.

Forms

plural: hoaxes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hoax call — a false emergency call
  • •
    elaborate hoax — a complex deception
  • •
    fall for a hoax — to be deceived by a hoax

Related words

Antonyms: fact, truth
See also: deceive, fraud, prank, trick
Synonyms: deception, fake, fraud, sham, trick

Etymology

Probably a contraction of hocus from hocus-pocus, a term used by jugglers and magicians in the 17th century. First recorded as a noun in the late 18th century.