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Definition of deception

deception

/dɪˈsɛp.ʃən/
de · cep · tion
Adverb:deceptively
•
Plural:deceptions
•
Adjective:deceptive
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deception Lexical Profile

deception Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The deliberate act or practice of misleading someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.

Example

"The investigation revealed a long history of financial deception within the company."

2

A thing that deceives; a trick, stratagem, or illusion intended to mislead.

Example

"Even the most observant audience members were fooled by the magician's clever deceptions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for deception

• Nearby Words

decentralization
decentralize
decentralized
deception
deceptive
deceptively
deceptiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French deception, from Late Latin deceptio ('a deceiving'), derived from the Latin verb decipere ('to ensnare, cheat, or beguile'), formed from de- ('from') and capere ('to take or catch').

Cite this Entry

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