hypocrisy

American  

[hi-pok-ruh-see] / hɪˈpɒk rə si /

noun

PLURAL

hypocrisies

1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.

2. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.

3. an act or instance of hypocrisy.

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hypocrisy British  

/ hɪˈpɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. the practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc, contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp the pretence of virtue and piety

2. an act or instance of this

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Related Words

See duplicity.

Other Word Forms

• hyperhypocrisy noun

Etymology

Origin of hypocrisy

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English ipocrisie, from Old French, from Late Latin hypocrisis, from Greek hypókrisis “play acting,” from hypokrī(nesthai)́ “to play a part, explain” (from hypo- hypo- + krī́nein “to distinguish, separate”) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Franco’s regime never needed to turn allegations of antisemitism against its domestic enemies, but its shameless hypocrisy is strikingly familiar.

From Salon

In a stunning display of hypocrisy, the Senate reminded Americans that justice in this country is too often a matter of proximity to power.

From The Wall Street Journal

Exposing this hypocrisy to the public will be vital for the reform effort.

From The Wall Street Journal

And that was it, in sharp relief, the hypocrisy and riddle of college football: how to pull the brake when everyone’s on the same speeding train.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has checkmated establishment Republicans with their own cowardice and hypocrisy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bigotry
• deceit
• deception
• dishonesty
• duplicity
• fraud
• insincerity
• mockery