Meaning & Definition of word "Deception"

Deception

/dɪˈsɛpʃən/

noun:

  • 1. the act of deceiving or misleading someone.
    • Example: The magician's trick was a brilliant deception that left the audience in awe.
  • 2. a statement or action intended to deceive.
    • Example: Her smile was a deception; she was actually very upset.
  • 3. the quality of being deceitful or dishonest.
    • Example: Deception can lead to a breakdown of trust in any relationship.
  • 4. a scheme or tactic used to mislead.
    • Example: The con artist used various forms of deception to trick his victims.

Etymology

From Latin 'deceptio', from 'decipere', meaning 'to catch or ensnare'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a deception of the senses:

An illusion that misleads perception.

deception in the ranks:

Dishonesty or betrayal among a group, often in a military or organizational context.

self-deception:

The act of deceiving oneself, often regarding one's own character or situation.

Related Words

deceive:

To cause someone to believe something that is not true.

deceitful:

Characterized by the intention to deceive.

misrepresentation:

The action or offense of giving a false or misleading account of something.

Slang Meanings of deception

Meaning: Con job

Example Sentence: That guy pulled a real con job on his investors.

Meaning: Smoke and mirrors

Example Sentence: The deal sounded great, but it was just smoke and mirrors.