hoax
Translation
hoax, prank, trick
Examples
The bomb threat was a hoax.
The bomb threat was a hoax.
He was the victim of an elaborate hoax.
He was the victim of an elaborate hoax.
Grammar Patterns
((a hoax)) a trick or deception The report turned out to be a hoax.
Similar Words
Synonyms: deception, fraud, trick; Antonyms: truth, fact.
Etymology
Possibly a contraction of 'hocus pocus', a magician's phrase.
Memory Tips
Think of 'hocus pocus'. A hoax is like a bad magic trick intended to deceive people.