deceive
v. B1 Intermediate US //dɪˈsiv// UK //dɪsˈiːv// de·ceive
v. to make someone believe something that is not true. You deceive someone when you hide the truth or lie to them on purpose.
v. to cause someone to believe something that is false; to mislead intentionally.
The magician deceived the audience with his tricks.
The company deceived customers by hiding the extra fees in small print.
Politicians often deceive the public by promising reforms they have no intention of delivering once elected.
From Middle English deceyven, from Anglo-Norman deceivre, from Latin dēcipiō (“to deceive; beguile; entrap”), from dē- (“from”) + capiō (“to seize”); see captive. Compare conceive, perceive, receive. Displaced native Old English beswīcan.
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.