Translate text 
Translate files Hoax
/hoʊks/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A humorous or misleading act or statement designed to deceive or trick people.
The supposed sighting of a UFO turned out to be nothing more than a clever hoax.
An act intended to deceive or mislead, often for a prank or to generate publicity.
The internet was abuzz with news of a celebrity hoax that had fans believing she was retiring.
A fraudulent or deceptive undertaking.
The charity was exposed as a hoax, leaving many donors feeling swindled.
verb
To deceive or trick someone with a hoax.
They hoaxed their friends into believing they had won the lottery.
To make a play on someone’s gullibility with a practical joke.
He hoaxed his coworkers by sending them a fake memo about a new office policy.
Etymology
The origin of 'hoax' is uncertain, but it may derive from 'hocus pocus', a phrase used by magicians.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
Bamboozle
They totally bamboozled him with that elaborate hoax.
Gaslight
She tried to gaslight her friends into thinking they were the ones with the problem.