The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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subterfuge

noun

/ˈsʌbtəfjuː(d)ʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of subterfuge

A deception or trick used to hide, evade, or deceive someone or something.
"He used subterfuge to conceal his true intentions from his colleagues."

Detailed meaning of subterfuge

It is a tactic or strategy used to mislead or deceive others, especially in order to achieve a specific goal. Subterfuge is often used to conceal one's own true intentions or to gain an advantage over others. It can be used in a variety of settings, such as in politics, business, or personal relationships. It can also be used to describe the act of hiding or disguising something, or to refer to something that is used to hide or disguise something else. It can also be used as a noun meaning the act or an instance of subterfuge, or a trick or scheme used to deceive.

Example sentences containing subterfuge

1. The politician used subterfuge to deceive the public about his true intentions.
2. Detectives uncovered the criminal's subterfuge in the elaborate heist.
3. She employed subterfuge to avoid attending the meeting she dreaded.
4. The spy's subterfuge allowed him to infiltrate the enemy's ranks undetected.
5. The con artist's subterfuge fooled unsuspecting victims into giving away their money.
6. The company employed subterfuge to hide their financial mismanagement.

History and etymology of subterfuge

The noun 'subterfuge' has an etymology rooted in Latin. It comes from the Latin words 'sub,' meaning 'under,' and 'tergiversari,' which means 'to turn one's back' or 'to change sides.' The term 'subterfuge' literally translates to 'to flee from under,' which metaphorically implies a deceptive act of avoiding or escaping something. Over time, the word evolved in English to describe any deception or trick used to hide, evade, or deceive someone or something. 'Subterfuge' emphasizes the use of clever or underhanded tactics to achieve a goal while concealing one's true intentions, highlighting the deceptive and often elaborate nature of such maneuvers.

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Further usage examples of subterfuge

1. The defendant's lawyer resorted to subterfuge to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
2. The mastermind behind the scheme concocted a web of subterfuge to evade capture.
3. Journalists exposed the government's subterfuge in manipulating public opinion.
4. The magician's performance was filled with illusions and subterfuge.
5. The student used subterfuge to cheat on the exam without getting caught.
6. The subterfuge of fake identities allowed the spies to gather crucial information.
7. The subterfuge of fake documents helped the fugitive escape the country.
8. The thief employed subterfuge to distract the security guards and make his getaway.
9. The subterfuge of misinformation clouded the truth and confused the public.
10. The subterfuge of false promises convinced the investors to pour money into the scam.
11. The elaborate subterfuge of disguises and aliases made it difficult to trace the criminal's movements.
12. The subterfuge of misdirection allowed the magician to perform mind-boggling tricks.
13. The subterfuge of altering timestamps on documents was uncovered during the investigation.
14. The subterfuge of spreading rumors undermined the credibility of the opposing candidate.