Feint (en. Feigned)

/fɛ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A gesture or movement intended to deceive the opponent.
The boxer made a feint to disorient his opponent.
Le boxeur a effectué un feint pour désorienter son ennemi.
An action that simulates an intention but is meant to conceal the true intention.
His feint of attack allowed his team to gain the upper hand.
Son feint d'attaque a permis à son équipe de prendre l'avantage.
verb
Simulating a movement with the aim of deceiving.
He feigned falling to avoid the blow.
Il feint de tomber pour éviter le coup.

Etymology

From Old French 'feinter', of uncertain origin, possibly derived from Latin 'fingere' meaning 'to make, to shape'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to feign
Deceiving someone through a maneuver.
faire un feint
to feign death
Simulating a serious situation to manipulate.
feinter la mort
feigning anger
Simulating a state of anger to get what one wants.
feint de colère

Related Words

simulation
Action of simulating, of pretending.
simulation
deception
Action of deceiving, of misleading.
tromperie
maneuver
Skillful action or skillfully executed for a specific purpose.
manoeuvre

Slang Meanings

Pretend
He feigned not to see the situation.
Il a feint de ne pas voir la situation.
To act
She feigns feelings she does not have.
Elle feint des sentiments qu'elle n'éprouve pas.