deceive
verb (used with object)
to mislead by a false appearance or statement; delude.
deceives
-
present tense formof deceive (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Reject every form of abuse or violence, which deceives by promising easy gains but hardens the heart and makes it insensitive," he said.
From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026
In the second complaint, the state argued that the app deceives consumers into believing their sensitive and personal information is secure.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 29, 2023
"Instead it did something even cleverer — it brought together existing genes, which already do other things in different parts of the plant, to make a complicated spot on the petals that deceives male flies."
From Salon ● Mar. 26, 2023
When it comes to John Watson, Holmes’s best friend, amanuensis and sometimes roommate, Holmes criticizes him, deceives him, disappears for years and lets Watson believe him dead.
From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2022
Anyone who believes that new benefits make men of high station forget old injuries deceives himself.
From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli
