peddle
v.to sell something, especially when you are trying to trick people or sell low-quality goods. It is often used for things like fake medicine or bad ideas.
v.to sell, especially in a dishonest or fraudulent manner; to circulate or spread something undesirable. Often carries a derogatory connotation regarding the quality or intent of the goods or information being sold.
“He used to peddle cheap watches on the street.”
“The company was accused of peddling false promises to investors who were desperate for a high return.”
“While the vendor claimed his herbal remedies were centuries old, the health department eventually shut him down for peddling unapproved substances to the public.”
“It peddles this notion that willpower guarantees outcomes, and if you just focus on the things you can control, you’ll be OK.”
Back-formation from pedlar. (Compare burgle from burglar.)
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.