delude

[dih-lood]

verb (used with object)

deluded, deluding 

1. to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive.

   His conceit deluded him into believing he was important.

   Synonyms: gull, defraud, cheat, dupe, cozen, beguile

2. Obsolete.,  to mock or frustrate the hopes or aims of.

3. Obsolete.,  to elude; evade.

delude

/ dɪˈluːd /

verb

1. to deceive the mind or judgment of; mislead; beguile

2. rare,  to frustrate (hopes, expectations, etc)

Other Word Forms

• deluder noun
• deludingly adverb
• nondeluding adjective
• undeluding adjective
• deludable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delude¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English deluden, from Latin dēlūdere “to play false,” equivalent to dē- de- + lūdere “to play”

Word History and Origins

Origin of delude¹

C15: from Latin dēlūdere to mock, play false, from _de- + lūdere to play

Example Sentences

Earl's barrister Paul Hynes KC described his client as "a sad individual" and compared him to the deluded fictional character Walter Mitty.

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If he really believes that the job of making peace is done, then he is deluding himself.

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Republicans knew this was coming, but they either thought they could escape blame for it or they are so deluded they actually believe it’s what people want.

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Based on past experience, one should never underestimate the willingness of some in the party to delude themselves into believing the GOP might operate in good faith.

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They’re dismissing those who attend as deluded cultists, hardening hearts on each side even more.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dupe 
• hoodwink 
• misguide 
• mislead