Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
deceive
This word carries a strong negative moral weight, implying a conscious, calculated effort to mislead. It differs from "mistake" or "misunderstand" because it requires intent and a desire to manipulate the victim's perception of reality for a specific purpose.
In professional or legal contexts, it often describes fraud or breach of trust. The act of deceiving typically involves a power imbalance where the deceiver possesses the truth and deliberately withholds or alters it to gain an advantage.
Meanings
Examples
Some companies deceive consumers with misleading labels.
Phrasal Verbs
deceive oneself
to believe something that is not true about one's own situation or abilities
He continued to deceive himself into thinking that the relationship could be saved.