Fake

/feɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

an imitation or counterfeit of something.

The market was filled with fakes, from designer handbags to watches.

a person who is not honest or sincere.

She felt betrayed when she discovered he was a fake, pretending to be someone he wasn't.

verb

to make something appear to be something it is not; to counterfeit.

They faked the documents to secure a loan.

to simulate or pretend.

He faked an injury to avoid playing in the game.

adjective

not genuine; imitation or counterfeit.

The painting was revealed to be a fake, worth only a fraction of the original.

not true or real; false.

He put on a fake smile to hide his true feelings.

Originates from late 19th century, initially meaning to deceive.

fake it till you make it

To pretend to have confidence or proficiency until you actually gain it.

fake news

Misinformation or disinformation presented as news.

fake friend

A person who pretends to be a friend but is not genuinely supportive.

fraud

Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

imposter

A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.

counterfeit

An imitation of something, usually with the intent to deceive.

B.S.

Don't give me that B.S., I know you're lying.

Poser

He's just a poser, pretending to be a rock star.

Wannabe

She's such a wannabe influencer, always trying to act like it's her life.