deceives
|de-ceives|
/dɪˈsiːv/
(deceive)
mislead or trick
Etymology
'deceive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'decipere', where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'capere' (appearing as 'cipere') meant 'to take.'
'decipere' changed into Old French 'decevoir' (and variants like 'deceivre'), passed into Middle English as 'deceiven', and eventually became the modern English word 'deceive'.
Initially, it meant 'to take in, ensnare' (a more physical sense of taking), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause someone to believe something false; to mislead.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to cause someone to believe something that is false; to trick or mislead.
He deceives investors with false promises about the project's returns.
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Verb 2
to give a false impression; to make something seem other than it really is.
Bright lighting deceives the eye and deceives many into thinking the room is larger.
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Verb 3
to fail to fulfill (someone's hopes or expectations); to disappoint by not meeting expectations.
The map deceives and often deceives tourists who expect easy routes.
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Last updated: 2025/09/26 21:34