ruse

¹ American  

[rooz] / ruz /

noun

1. a trick, stratagem, or artifice.

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Ruse ² American  

[roo-sey] / ˈru seɪ /

noun

1. a city in N Bulgaria, on the Danube.

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Ruse ¹ British  

/ ˈruːseɪ /

noun

1. a city in NE Bulgaria, on the River Danube: the chief river port and one of the largest industrial centres in Bulgaria. Pop: 172 000 (2005 est)

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ruse ² British  

/ ruːz /

noun

1. an action intended to mislead, deceive, or trick; stratagem

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Related Words

See trick.

Etymology

Origin of ruse

1375–1425; late Middle English (noun use of obsolete rusen to detour) < Middle French, derivative of ruser to retreat. See rush ¹

Example Sentences

Then it was loaded onto American C-5 cargo planes that flew over the Mediterranean before turning toward Saudi Arabia, bolstering the ruse that it was American equipment that was being delivered from the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Viewers immediately saw through the ruse, recognizing that Ring’s web of surveillance could absolutely be used to watch almost everyone, almost everywhere, whether or not they’ve done something illegal.

From Salon

If three kids figured out her ruse, the FBI must be getting close.

From Literature

After he saves the day, and his Daily Planet colleagues remark on Superman’s skills, his alter ego Clark Kent gives a sly glance to the camera, letting the audience in on the, quite obvious, ruse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Which leads to my pet theory: Is it possible this is all a plant, a clever ruse by Big Ski Jump to get us all to pay more attention to the action from Predazzo Stadium?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• feint
• game plan
• gimmick
• hoax
• ploy
• sham
• stratagem
• stunt
• subterfuge