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Definition of feign

feign

/feɪn/
feign
Adjective:feigned
•
Past Simple:feigned
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Past Participle:feigned
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Present Participle:feigning
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feign Lexical Profile

feign Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury in order to deceive others.

Example

"The student decided to feign a stomachache so he could skip the afternoon exam."

2

To invent or fabricate a story, excuse, or accusation falsely.

Example

"Rather than admit his mistake, he tried to feign a plausible explanation for the missing documents."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for feign

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'feign' (to pretend) with its homophones 'fain' (archaic for gladly or willing) and 'fane' (poetic for a temple or church). It is also distinct from the related word 'feint', which specifically refers to a deceptive movement or mock attack.

• Rhymes for feign

• Nearby Words

feelingly
feetfirst
feigefossen
feign
feijoa
feint
feistily

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'feindre' (to pretend, hesitate), from Latin 'fingere' (to shape, mold, contrive, or pretend), sharing an Indo-European root with 'fiction' and 'figment'.

Cite this Entry

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