hoodwink

[hood-wingk]

verb (used with object)

1. to deceive or trick.

   Synonyms: gyp, swindle, cheat, dupe

2. Archaic.,  to blindfold.

3. Obsolete.,  to cover or hide.

hoodwink

/ ˈhʊdˌwɪŋk /

verb

1. to dupe; trick

2. obsolete,  to cover or hide

Other Word Forms

• hoodwinker noun
• hoodwinkable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoodwink¹

First recorded in 1555–65; hood ¹ + wink ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoodwink¹

C16: originally, to cover the eyes with a hood, blindfold

Example Sentences

Dr Amati worries that "people are being hoodwinked into thinking 'high protein' on a label necessarily means that it is healthy. Honestly, it's another health halo."

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Mr Hogg said Dunlop had the "ability to lie and hoodwink the system", adding: "It's beyond belief."

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At this stage of the season I can get hoodwinked a bit because I have covered some teams when they have played well, and it means I overlook some of their opposition's qualities.

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Facts are usually avoided when fiction gives us solace in our mediocrity, or when it gives us camouflage to hoodwink others.

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She said Joshua's "hoodwinking of innocent people" must "come into the light".

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Related Words

• bamboozle 
• bilk 
• defraud 
• dupe 
• mislead 
• swindle 
• victimize