B2verbpsychologysociety
US/dɪˈsiːv/
UK/dɪˈsiːv/
to make someone believe something that is not true, usually for your own advantage
In context
He tried to deceive the police by giving a false name.
Do not be deceived by his friendly smile; he is not honest.
She felt deceived when she found out the truth about the company.
Words that go with deceive
verb + noun
- deceive the publicThe advertisement was accused of trying to deceive the public.
- deceive yourselfYou are deceiving yourself if you think this will be easy.
verb + preposition
- be deceived byMany people were deceived by the fake website.
- deceive someone intoHe deceived her into signing the contract.
adverb + verb
- deliberately deceiveThe company deliberately deceived its customers about the price.
- easily deceiveChildren can be easily deceived by false promises.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He deceived me to believe his story.Correct: He deceived me into believing his story.