trick
trick Lexical Profile
trick Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A cunning or deceitful act or scheme designed to outwit, mislead, or playfully prank someone.
"The email claiming she had won a foreign lottery was nothing more than a clever trick to obtain her bank details."
A clever, practical, or specialized technique or method for doing something more effectively.
"Adding a pinch of salt to the water is a simple culinary trick that enhances the flavor of the pasta."
A skillful act, stunt, or magic illusion performed to entertain, amuse, or demonstrate dexterity.
"The magician amazed the children by performing a classic card trick right in front of their eyes."
In card games such as bridge or whist, a single round in which one card is played by each player, evaluated as a unit for scoring.
"She played the ace of spades to win the final trick of the hand."
A peculiar habit, mannerism, or characteristic behavior belonging to a person or thing.
"He had an endearing trick of raising one eyebrow whenever he was skeptical of an argument."
• verb
To deceive, outwit, or mislead someone using cunning, illusion, or artifice.
"The con artist tried to trick the elderly couple into signing over the deed to their house."
To dress, decorate, or adorn in an elaborate or striking manner (usually followed by 'out' or 'up').
"The performers were tricked out in vibrant, sequined costumes for the opening parade."
• adjective
Intended or designed to deceive, mystify, or create a humorous or illusory effect.
"The professor included a trick question on the final exam to test whether students were reading carefully."
Liable to give way, malfunction, or fail unexpectedly, especially referring to a weak joint or limb.
"He had to give up running marathons because of a trick knee that flared up on steep inclines."
• Rhymes for trick
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 15th century from Old Northern French 'trique' (deceit, treachery, or cheating), derived from the verb 'trikier' (corresponding to Old French 'trichier', to deceive or cheat), of uncertain ultimate origin but possibly from Vulgar Latin '*triccare' and Latin 'tricari' (to be evasive or shuffle).