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Definition of deceive

deceive

/dɪˈsiːv/
de · ceive
Adverb:deceptively
•
Adjective:deceptive
•
Past Simple:deceived
•
Past Participle:deceived
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Present Participle:deceiving
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deceive Lexical Profile

deceive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To deliberately cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain some personal advantage.

Example

"The company was fined heavily after it was discovered that they had tried to deceive consumers about the product's safety."

2

To give a mistaken impression (of an appearance, perception, or outward condition).

Example

"The calm surface of the river can easily deceive inexperienced swimmers into ignoring the strong undercurrents."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for deceive

• Rhymes for deceive

• Nearby Words

deceitfully
deceitfulness
deceivable
deceive
deceiver
deceivingly
decelerate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French deceivre, from Latin decipere ('to catch, ensnare, or cheat'), formed from de- ('from') and capere ('to take or seize').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deceive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deceive
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