Feint Meaning in English
word
Definition
A quick movement or action intended to trick someone, often used in sports or fighting to make an opponent think you will do one thing, but you do another; it can also mean a deceptive appearance or action.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in sports (boxing, football, fencing), but also in general contexts for any deceptive action. Often confused with 'faint' (to lose consciousness), though meanings are unrelated. You 'make a feint', 'use a feint', or 'feint' as a verb ('he feinted left'). Formal in non-sports usage.
Example Sentences
The boxer made a feint to the right before punching.
basic
The soccer player used a quick feint to get past the defender.
basic
His first attack was only a feint to distract his opponent.
basic
She tricked her friend with a clever feint before revealing the surprise.
natural
A good feint can change the outcome of a fencing match.
natural
He pretended to walk away, but it was just a feint to catch their attention.
natural