hoax
Translation
hoax, prank, trick
Examples
The bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.
The bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.
He was the victim of an elaborate hoax.
He was the victim of an elaborate hoax.
Grammar Patterns
to be a hoax to be a deception The bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.
a victim of a hoax a person who has been tricked He was the victim of an elaborate hoax.
Similar Words
prank, trick, deception, fraud
Etymology
Likely a shortened form of the magical incantation 'hocus pocus'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to 'hocus pocus'. A magic trick can sometimes be a harmless hoax.