Delude

/dɪˈluːd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to cause someone to believe something that is not true; to mislead or deceive.

She deluded herself into thinking that he would change his mind.

to lead someone away from the truth; to misinform.

The advertisement deluded many customers into believing they were getting a bargain.

to be deceived or mislead.

He was deluded by his friend's reassurances that everything would be fine.

to create a false impression or idea.

The magician deluded the audience with his astonishing tricks.

From Latin 'deludere', meaning to play false.

delude oneself

To convince oneself of something false.

illusion

A false idea or belief.

fallacy

A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound arguments.

misconception

A view or opinion that is incorrect based on faulty thinking.

To be totally off the mark or mistaken.

He thought he could play in the NBA - he was really deluding himself.

To be out of touch with reality.

She's deluded if she thinks he still loves her.