Word
hoax
US/ˈhoʊks/
UK/hˈəʊks/
Definitions
01a trick or deception
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a plan to trick people into believing something that is not true.
n. a deliberate fabrication or deceptive act intended to mislead others, often involving a public or widespread audience.
“The video of the sea monster turned out to be a clever hoax.”
“The scientific community was outraged to discover that the fossil was a sophisticated hoax designed to gain fame for the researchers.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'play', 'perpetrate', or 'expose'.
02to trick someone
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to trick someone by making them believe a lie.
v. to deceive someone through a maliciously or mischievously fabricated story or event.
“The public was hoaxed into believing that the radio play was a real news report.”
“The investigation revealed how the investors had been systematically hoaxed by the company's falsified financial statements.”
Usage
Usually used in the passive voice ('to be hoaxed').
Real-World Examples
“It seemed like a joke, a hoax, when at 10pm on 19 June, Ravenna broke the news of Ronaldinho’s signing .” Etymology
Reportedly a form of hocus. Possibly from hocus-pocus or Latin iocus (“joke”). Compare hokey.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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