ruse

¹

[rooz]

noun

1. a trick, stratagem, or artifice.

Ruse

²

[roo-sey]

noun

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

Ruse

¹

/ 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

/ ruːz /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruse¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruse¹

C15: from Old French: trick, esp to evade capture, from ruser to retreat, from Latin recūsāre to refuse

Synonym Study

See trick.

Example Sentences

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Literature

Could a governess be fired for failing to report such a ruse?

Read more on Literature

The Red Cross criticized the U.S.-designated terrorist group for involving it in an apparent ruse.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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