Meaning & Definition of word "Hoax"

Hoax

/hoʊks/

1. A humorous or misleading act or statement designed to deceive or trick people.
- Example: The supposed sighting of a UFO turned out to be nothing more than a clever hoax.
2. An act intended to deceive or mislead, often for a prank or to generate publicity.
- Example: The internet was abuzz with news of a celebrity hoax that had fans believing she was retiring.
3. A fraudulent or deceptive undertaking.
- Example: The charity was exposed as a hoax, leaving many donors feeling swindled.

1. To deceive or trick someone with a hoax.
- Example: They hoaxed their friends into believing they had won the lottery.
2. To make a play on someone’s gullibility with a practical joke.
- Example: He hoaxed his coworkers by sending them a fake memo about a new office policy.

The origin of 'hoax' is uncertain, but it may derive from 'hocus pocus', a phrase used by magicians.

pull a hoax:

To perpetrate a deceptive act or trick.

hoax call:

A false call made to mislead or prank someone.

hoax email:

An email designed to trick recipients into believing false information.

deceive:

To cause someone to believe something that is not true.

d deceive:

To mislead by falsehood.

prank:

A practical joke or mischievous act.

Meaning: Bamboozle

Example Sentence: They totally bamboozled him with that elaborate hoax.

Meaning: Gaslight

Example Sentence: She tried to gaslight her friends into thinking they were the ones with the problem.