deceive

Deceive is defined as to make someone believe something that isn't true.

(verb)

An example of deceive is a parent telling their child there is a tooth fairy.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See deceive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb deceived, deceiving

  1. to make (a person) believe what is not true; delude; mislead
  2. Archaic to be false to; betray
  3. Archaic to while away (time)

Origin: ME deceiven < OFr deceveir < L decipere, to ensnare, deceive < de-, from + capere, to take: see have

intransitive verb

to use deceit; lie

Related Forms:

See deceive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb de·ceived, de·ceiv·ing, de·ceives
verb, transitive
  1. To cause to believe what is not true; mislead.
  2. Archaic To catch by guile; ensnare.
verb, intransitive
  1. To practice deceit.
  2. To give a false impression: appearances can deceive.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English deceiven

Origin: , from Old French deceveir

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *dēcipēre

Origin: , from Latin dēcipere, to ensnare, deceive

Origin: : dē-, de-

Origin: + capere, to seize; see kap- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • de·ceivˈa·ble adjective
  • de·ceivˈer noun
  • de·ceivˈing·ly adverb

Learn more about deceive

link/cite print suggestion box