delude

[dih-lood]

verb (used with object)

deluded, deluding 

1. to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive.

   His conceit deluded him into believing he was important.

   Synonyms: gull, defraud, cheat, dupe, cozen, beguile

2. Obsolete.,  to mock or frustrate the hopes or aims of.

3. Obsolete.,  to elude; evade.

delude

/ dɪˈluːd /

verb

1. to deceive the mind or judgment of; mislead; beguile

2. rare,  to frustrate (hopes, expectations, etc)

Other Word Forms

• deluder noun
• deludingly adverb
• nondeluding adjective
• undeluding adjective
• deludable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delude¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English deluden, from Latin dēlūdere “to play false,” equivalent to dē- de- + lūdere “to play”

Word History and Origins

Origin of delude¹

C15: from Latin dēlūdere to mock, play false, from _de- + lūdere to play

Example Sentences

Based on past experience, one should never underestimate the willingness of some in the party to delude themselves into believing the GOP might operate in good faith.

From Salon

They’re dismissing those who attend as deluded cultists, hardening hearts on each side even more.

From Los Angeles Times

Brian: Martin is deluded, heard him say before the game, "we are in a good place at the moment".

From BBC

But she’s not the only one who is either deluded or lying about the implications.

From Salon

At best, they were narrowly competent; at worst, morally compromised and dangerously deluded.

From Salon

Related Words

• dupe 
• hoodwink 
• misguide 
• mislead