Meaning & Definition of word "Mislead"
to
Mislead
/mɪsˈliːd/
verb:
- 1. to cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression about something; to deceive.
- Example: The advertisement was designed to mislead consumers into thinking the product was all-natural.
- 2. to lead someone in the wrong direction or to lead someone to a wrong conclusion.
- Example: He didn't mean to mislead anyone, but his explanation was confusing.
- 3. to provide false information intentionally.
- Example: The politician was accused of trying to mislead the public with false statements.
- 4. to guide someone wrongly in their understanding or actions.
- Example: Misleading information on social media can lead to widespread panic.
Etymology
From the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and 'lead' meaning 'to guide'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
lead someone astray:
To guide someone into confusion or error.
pull the wool over someone's eyes:
To deceive someone by concealing the truth.
take someone for a ride:
To deceive or cheat someone.
Related Words
deception:
The act of deceiving or misleading someone.
misrepresentation:
False or misleading information presented intentionally.
Slang Meanings of mislead
Meaning: Play someone
Example Sentence: Don't let him play you; he's just trying to mislead you.
Meaning: String along
Example Sentence: She was just stringing him along, misleading him about her interest.