What does "hoax" mean?

1. (a trick or deception) a plan to trick people into believing something that is not true. 2. (to trick someone) to trick someone by making them believe a lie.

How do you use "hoax"?

Often used with the verbs 'play', 'perpetrate', or 'expose'. Usually used in the passive voice ('to be hoaxed').

hoax

n. · v.

US //ˈhoʊks// UK //hˈəʊks// hoax

1 a trick or deception (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a plan to trick people into believing something that is not true.

a deliberate fabrication or deceptive act intended to mislead others, often involving a public or widespread audience.

Example

The video of the sea monster turned out to be a clever hoax.

Example

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'.
2 to trick someone (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to trick someone by making them believe a lie.

to deceive someone through a maliciously or mischievously fabricated story or event.

Example

The public was hoaxed into believing that the radio play was a real news report.

Example

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').
- inform
- enlighten

Origin

Reportedly a form of hocus. Possibly from hocus-pocus or Latin iocus (“joke”). Compare hokey.