hoax

hoax [hohks] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin noun

1. something intended to deceive or defraud: The Piltdown man was a scientific hoax.

verb (used with object)

2. to deceive by a hoax; hoodwink.

Origin of hoax First recorded in 1790–1800; perhaps contraction of hocus Related formshoax·er, nounun·hoaxed, adjectiveSynonyms for hoax 1. deception, fraud, fake, imposture, humbug. Related Words for hoaxing fool, dupe, fleece, rook, deceive, frame, gull, hoodwink, con, flimflam, sting, bluff, swindle, bamboozle, delude, chicane, murphy, gammon Examples from the Web for hoaxing Historical Examples of hoaxing

Williams looked at her doubtingly, and still feared she was hoaxing him.

A Forest Hearth: A Romance of Indiana in the Thirties

Charles Major

His friend watched the lips of the other passengers to see who was hoaxing them.

Chicken Little Jane

Lily Munsell Ritchie

It was the biggest hoax, the climax of the long course of hoaxing.

War’s Brighter Side

Julian Ralph.

But we suspect that some one has been hoaxing you about the four Turkeys.

Punch – Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853)

Various

How could you be so wicked as to go on hoaxing her like that?

Ayala’s Angel

Anthony Trollope

British Dictionary definitions for hoaxing hoax noun

1. a deception, esp a practical joke

verb

2. (tr) to deceive or play a joke on (someone)

Derived Formshoaxer, nounWord Origin for hoax C18: probably from hocus Word Origin and History for hoaxing hoax

1796 (v.), 1808 (n.), probably an alteration of hocus “conjurer, juggler” (1630s), or directly from hocus-pocus. Related: Hoaxed; hoaxing.