hoax

American  

[hohks] / hoʊks /

noun

1. something intended to deceive or defraud.

   The Piltdown man was a scientific hoax.

   Synonyms:

   humbug, imposture, fake, fraud, deception

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verb (used with object)

1. to deceive by a hoax; hoodwink.

hoax British  

/ həʊks /

noun

1. a deception, esp a practical joke

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verb

1. (tr) to deceive or play a joke on (someone)

Other Word Forms

• hoaxer noun
• unhoaxed adjective

Etymology

Origin of hoax

First recorded in 1790–1800; perhaps contraction of hocus

Example Sentences

Turning Point USA executive Benny Johnson called the widespread outrage a “hoax.”

From Salon

His worries were balanced by the feeling that the whole thing was nothing but a hoax—a joke being played by a weird old man with a warped sense of humor.

From Literature

Why she would carry on a joke—a hoax— that hurt my friend so badly.

From Literature

But he entertained audiences in many ways, with everything from blatant hoaxes to Shakespearean theater.

From The Wall Street Journal

But in some sense, the people seeking fireworks reaped the greater benefit of the lesson provided by this hoax.

From Salon