Word: Hoax
Part of Speech: Noun (also can be used as a verb)
Definition: A hoax is something that is meant to trick or deceive people. It is often a planned act that is intended to make others believe something that is not true.
Usage Instructions: - As a noun, "hoax" refers to the trick itself. - As a verb, "to hoax" means to playfully trick someone.
Example Sentences: - Noun: "The news article about the flying elephants was just a hoax; no one believed it after a while." - Verb: "They decided to hoax their friends by pretending to be famous celebrities."
Advanced Usage:Hoaxes can range from harmless pranks to serious deceptions that can cause panic or misinformation. In modern times, hoaxes can often spread quickly through social media.
Word Variants: - Hoaxer (noun): A person who creates a hoax. - Hoaxing (verb): The act of creating or performing a hoax.
Different Meanings: - In general, a hoax usually refers to a trick that is meant to deceive. However, in some contexts, it can also refer to a false claim or a misleading situation that is presented as true.
Synonyms: - Trick - Deception - Fraud - Ruse - Scam
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - Pull a hoax (idiom): To carry out a hoax or trick someone. - Example: "They pulled a hoax on their classmates by pretending there was a ghost in the school." - Hoax around (phrasal verb): To engage in playful tricks or jokes.