hoax
word
/ˈhoʊks/
/hˈəʊks/
Definition
A hoax is a trick or a false story made to deceive people. It can be a fake news story, a prank, or something meant to cause confusion.
Usage & Nuances
'Hoax' is mainly informal and used for false stories or pranks, especially online. Common phrases: 'internet hoax', 'April Fools' hoax', 'fall for a hoax'. Not all pranks are 'hoaxes'; a hoax always involves false information intended to trick.
Spanish: engaño - broma falsa - farsaPortuguese (BR): farsa - fraude - trote (pegadinha)Portuguese (PT): farsa - embuste - partida falsaChinese (Simplified): 骗局 - 恶作剧Chinese (Traditional): 騙局 - 惡作劇Hindi: धोखा - झूठा प्रचारArabic: خدعة - مقلبBengali: প্রতারণা - ভুয়া খবরRussian: обман - мистификацияJapanese: 悪ふざけ - でっち上げVietnamese: trò lừa bịp - trò chơi khămKorean: 속임수 - 거짓 장난Turkish: aldatmaca - düzmeceUrdu: فریب - جھوٹا مذاقIndonesian: tipuan - lelucon palsu
Example Sentences
The news about aliens landing was a hoax.
basic
They spread a hoax on social media.
basic
April Fools' Day is famous for its many hoaxes.
basic
Don't believe that email—it’s just another internet hoax.
natural
A lot of people fell for the viral hoax last year.
natural
It turns out the missing dog story was actually a hoax set up for attention.
natural