hoax

[hohks]

noun

1. something intended to deceive or defraud.

   The Piltdown man was a scientific hoax.

   Synonyms: humbug, imposture, fake, fraud, deception

verb (used with object)

1. to deceive by a hoax; hoodwink.

hoax

/ həʊks /

noun

1. a deception, esp a practical joke

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• hoaxer noun
• unhoaxed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoax¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; perhaps contraction of hocus

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoax¹

C18: probably from _hocus

Example Sentences

Authorities determined that to be a hoax call.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Which is doubly bonkers since he seemed to fall for a hoax video that showed him giving a speech he didn’t give.

Read more on Salon

"The carbon footprint is a hoax made up by people with evil intentions, and they're heading down a path of total destruction," he said.

Read more on BBC

He called climate change a ‘hoax’ and derided clean energy.

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"I remember vividly talking to people in the office and thinking it was a hoax - that's where the excitement level was," he said.

Read more on BBC