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Tech & Science dictionary results for deepfake.

deepfake

American  
[deep-fayk] / ˈdipˌfeɪk /
Or deep fake

noun

  1. a fake, digitally manipulated video or audio file produced by using deep learning, an advanced type of machine learning, and typically featuring a person’s likeness and voice in a situation that did not actually occur.

    Pornographic deepfakes have caused real harm to women whose faces have been superimposed over those of porn actresses.


Etymology

Origin of deepfake

First recorded in 2015–20; deep (learning) ( def. ) + fake 1 ( def. )


Explanation

A deepfake is an altered photo or video that's completely different from the original but still looks totally realistic. A film that appears to show your school principal winning the U.S. Open — it's probably a deepfake. Deepfakes are manipulated recordings that are made using artificial intelligence. Unlike older techniques for creating false images, deepfakes seem so authentic that you're not sure what's true and what isn't. They can be used for entertainment, to bring back long-dead Hollywood stars or swap characters from different movies. But deepfakes are often intended to deliberately mislead people by spreading fake (but real-looking) information. Deepfake was coined in 2017.

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Vocabulary lists containing deepfake

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Many advanced deepfake detectors depend on enormous amounts of digital computation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026

Lawmakers acknowledged that the legislation is just a start, and that it is increasingly difficult for public officials to detect bespoke letters, deepfake videos or other kinds of engagement powered by AI.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

One shows the face of an Australian academic leading an international research study; the other is an AI-generated deepfake.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

Global consultancy firm Deloitte has predicted that losses from AI deepfake scams, external in the US alone could rise to £40bn next year, up from £12bn in 2023.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

But the suitor was an AI deepfake, making her yet another victim of an online romance scam.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

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