fabricate

[fab-ri-keyt]

verb (used with object)

fabricated, fabricating 

1. to make by art or skill and labor; construct.

   The finest craftspeople fabricated this clock.

2. to make by assembling parts or sections.

3. to devise or invent (a legend, lie, etc.).

4. to fake; forge (a document, signature, etc.).

fabricate

/ ˈfæbrɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to make, build, or construct

2. to devise, invent, or concoct (a story, lie, etc)

3. to fake or forge

Other Word Forms

• fabricative adjective
• fabricator noun
• fabrication noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fabricate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin fabricātus “made,” past participle of fabricāre; fabric, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fabricate¹

C15: from Latin fabricāre to build, make, from fabrica workshop; see _fabric

Synonym Study

See manufacture.

Example Sentences

Two people said they were told to fabricate stories of abuse.

From Los Angeles Times

There were fabricated rumors of gambling debts and of affiliations with Communists, but the core of opposition was anti-union sentiment in the GOP.

From Los Angeles Times

Russ finds a second wind when he tries out for a college football team as a walk-on quarterback, wearing heavy prosthetics and acting under the guise of a fabricated identity: Chad Powers.

From Los Angeles Times

“The allegations against Mr. Wayne were frivolous and unequivocally false. Mr. Wayne has endured serious and damaging accusations, and today’s verdict confirms what he has always said — the plaintiff’s claims against him are completely fabricated.”

From Los Angeles Times

The detectives were also alleged to have fabricated evidence against Hastings, including false testimony from witnesses, court documents state.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• concoct 
• contrive 
• counterfeit 
• fake 
• fudge 
• invent 
• misrepresent 
• trump up