delusive

[ dih-loo-siv ]

adjective

1. tending to delude; misleading; deceptive:

   a delusive reply.

2. of the nature of a delusion; false; unreal:

   a delusive belief.

Other Words From

• de·lusive·ly adverb
• de·lusive·ness noun
• nonde·lusive adjective
• unde·lusive adjective
• unde·lusive·ly adverb
• unde·lusive·ness noun
• unde·luso·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delusive¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; delus(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

And the feelings of security provided by guns may be delusive.

From The Daily Beast

The question is: Will those negotiations be real and productive or — as the Iranians must hope — delusive and manipulative?

From The Daily Beast

The hope that Republicans could win votes among them by championing more open immigration was always delusive.

From The Daily Beast

So it is with wind and solar today, and the president is engaging in delusive political practice by suggesting otherwise.

From The Daily Beast

Is it possible to imagine anything more inconsistent and self-delusive than these ravings of our friend?

From Project Gutenberg

Not long after this incident a delusive hope was held out to me that I might be able to return to civilisation.

From Project Gutenberg

A delusive appearance of novelty is one of the most dangerous weapons of Cupid.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Jevons speaks of Agamemnon's "confidence in the delusive dream" as at variance with his proceedings, and would excise II.

From Project Gutenberg

They prophesied falsely, led the people away and awakened the delusive hope of an early return from the captivity.

From Project Gutenberg