Definition

1. Verb:
   • To give someone false or incorrect information, often leading them to believe something that is not true.
   • To cause someone to have a mistaken understanding by providing them with inaccurate facts or details.

Usage

• The verb "misinform" is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or group receiving the false information).
• It is often used in contexts involving news, public communication, or personal advice where the accuracy of information is critical.
• The past tense and past participle form is "misinformed."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The official was accused of deliberately misinforming the public about the safety risks.
  • I'm sorry if I misinformed you; I was acting on outdated data.
  • The article misinforms its readers by omitting key facts.

Advanced Usage

• "to be misinformed": This passive construction describes the state of having received false information.
  • The voters were misinformed about the candidate's policies.
• "grossly misinform": To misinform in a severe or blatant manner.
  • The company grossly misinformed investors about its financial health.

Variants and Related Words

• Misinformation (n): False or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of intent.
  • The spread of misinformation online is a major concern.
• Misinformed (adj): Having or acting on incorrect information.
  • He made a misinformed decision based on bad advice.

Synonyms

• Mislead: To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression. (Often implies a deliberate intent to deceive.)
• Deceive: To cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically to gain a personal advantage. (Stronger, implying intentional fraud.)

Related Phrases

• To mislead by omission: To cause a false impression by leaving out important information, which is a form of misinforming.
  • The report misled by omission, failing to mention the failed trials.

Verb

1. give false or misleading information to