befool

[ bih-fool ]

verb (used with object)
  1. to fool; deceive; dupe.

  2. Obsolete. to treat as a fool; call (someone) a fool.

Origin of befool

1
First recorded in 1350–1400, befool is from the Middle English word befolen.See be-, fool1

Other words for befool

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use befool in a sentence

  • But that he was helpless, befooled, he recognized; and with a final muttered imprecation he turned and slowly descended the stair.

    Dope | Sax Rohmer
  • "'Twas this Frankish magician who has befooled us with his spells," said several of the town officials.

  • Haughtily looking down on his adversary, the giant carelessly turned away, thinking that he was befooled.

  • These men thought themselves befooled by Hargraves, and it might, perhaps, have cost him his life had he fallen into their hands.

  • I was ashamed to confess to Falfani that I had been outwitted and befooled.

    The Passenger from Calais | Arthur Griffiths

British Dictionary definitions for befool

befool

/ (bɪˈfuːl) /


verb
  1. (tr) to make a fool of

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012