falsehood
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈfæɫsˌhʊd// UK //fˈɒlshʊd// false·hood
n. a statement that is not true. It is a more formal and slightly older word for a lie.
n. a statement that is untrue or deceptive. Often carries a more formal or literary tone than 'lie'.
He was caught in a falsehood.
The politician's entire campaign was built on a series of deliberate falsehoods about his past.
The philosopher argued that the pursuit of truth requires a willingness to confront the uncomfortable reality of one's own falsehoods.
From Middle English falshede, from false + -hede, equivalent to false + -hood.