ruse

¹ American  

[rooz] / ruz /

noun

1. a trick, stratagem, or artifice.

---

Ruse ² American  

[roo-sey] / ˈru seɪ /

noun

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

---

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)

---

ruse ² British  

/ ruːz /

noun

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

---

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

But the looks obsession isn’t merely a ruse for exports.

From The Wall Street Journal

That is a ruse, a malicious inversion of reality.

From The Wall Street Journal

I have a theory, however, that the band's notorious dislike of "the old stuff" is an elaborate ruse.

From BBC

Dustin says the musical ruse is the “most metal ever,” but it’s not enough to keep them safe from the terrifying creatures.

From Los Angeles Times

In her mind Penelope counted slowly to a hundred, to make sure she gave her ruse enough time to work.

From Literature

Related Words

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