The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

deceit

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deceit

The act or quality of intentionally misleading or deceiving others through dishonesty, falsehoods, or trickery.
"She saw through his deceit and broke off the relationship."

Detailed meaning of deceit

It embodies the concept of intentionally leading someone astray or causing them to believe something that is not true. Deceit involves the deliberate manipulation of information, actions, or appearances with the intent to deceive and gain an advantage or to evade consequences. It is often associated with dishonesty, betrayal, or a breach of trust. Deceit can manifest in various forms, such as lying, concealing the truth, fabricating stories, or using manipulative tactics to achieve personal gain or to harm others. It is a deceptive behavior that undermines trust and can have damaging effects on relationships, organizations, or society as a whole. Recognizing and guarding against deceit is crucial for maintaining transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct in interpersonal interactions and broader contexts.

Example sentences containing deceit

1. His deceitful smile betrayed his true intentions.
2. The politician's deceit was exposed when the scandal broke.
3. She was hurt by her friend's deceitful behavior.
4. Deceit weaves a tangled web of lies and mistrust.
5. The deceitful salesman tried to trick me into buying a faulty product.
6. The detective saw through the criminal's deceit and uncovered the truth.

History and etymology of deceit

The noun 'deceit' has its etymological roots in Old English and Old French. It derives from the Old English word 'dǣtan,' which means 'to deceive' or 'to cheat.' This term evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'dautijan,' related to 'dauþaz,' meaning 'deceit' or 'fraud.' In Old French, it was 'deceit,' which had a similar meaning. Over time, 'deceit' came to represent the act or quality of intentionally misleading or deceiving others through dishonesty, falsehoods, or trickery. The etymology of 'deceit' underscores its historical connection to the practice of deception and cheating, emphasizing its role in describing actions and behaviors characterized by dishonesty and the intention to mislead or defraud others.

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Further usage examples of deceit

1. His deceitful actions cost him the trust of his colleagues.
2. Deceit has a way of poisoning relationships and causing irreparable damage.
3. The character in the novel was known for his cunning and deceit.
4. Her deceitful nature made it difficult for others to trust her.
5. Deceit lurks in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
6. The master manipulator used deceit as a weapon to control others.
7. She saw through his deceitful words and chose not to believe him.
8. The web of deceit grew more intricate with each passing day.
9. He resorted to deceit to cover up his mistakes and avoid facing the consequences.
10. The company's deceitful advertising misled consumers into buying their product.
11. Deceit breeds suspicion and erodes the foundation of any relationship.
12. The protagonist was caught in a web of deceit and had to find a way to escape.
13. The deceitful businessman manipulated the stock market for personal gain.
14. The truth always triumphs over deceit in the end.
15. The politician's campaign was filled with deceit and false promises.
16. Trust was shattered due to the web of deceit woven by the con artist.
17. The detective unraveled the web of deceit to uncover the truth.
18. The company's financial statements were riddled with deceit and hidden losses.
19. The scammer used deceit to trick unsuspecting victims out of their money.
20. His actions were driven by a desire for power and deceit.
21. The deceit of the business partner led to the downfall of the company.
22. The novel's plot was filled with twists, turns, and deceit.
23. The whistleblower exposed the deceit within the corrupt organization.
24. The friendship was irreparably damaged by the lies and deceit.
25. The court case involved a complex web of deceit and manipulation.