deceit
dishonest behavior to mislead others
The act of lying or tricking someone so they believe something that is not true, usually to get something you want.
use [deceit] to [do something]
- The investigation revealed a long history of deceit within the company.
- She felt deeply hurt when she discovered his deceit about his past.
- Political life, he argued, is often built on deceit and manipulation.
- Their entire relationship had been based on deceit, not trust.
- He used deceit to gain access to the confidential documents.
- She was shocked by his deceit.
- Their marriage ended because of lies and deceit.
- The boss will not forgive any kind of deceit.
- He used deceit to get more money from his clients.
- The movie shows how one small deceit can grow into many lies.
a particular dishonest trick or lie
One specific lie or trick that is used to make someone believe something that is not true.
a [clever/subtle] deceit
- It was a simple deceit, but it caused a lot of damage.
- Her story about the accident turned out to be a complete deceit.
- The so‑called surprise party was actually a carefully planned deceit.
- He apologized for the small deceit but insisted there had been no bad intention.
- The journalist uncovered a deceit at the heart of the advertising campaign.
- His kind words were a deceit.
- The email about a free prize was a deceit.
- She could not forgive this one deceit.
- They found out that the letter was a deceit.
- The company’s offer was a deceit to get more customers.
legal concept of harmful deception
In legal language, a dishonest act, like a serious lie, that makes another person lose money or suffer in some way.
[someone] commits deceit against [someone]
- The company was sued for deceit after providing false financial statements.
- In this jurisdiction, deceit is treated as a separate cause of action from negligence.
- The court found that the contract had been induced by deceit.
- Her lawyer argued that there had been no intention to commit deceit.
- Allegations of deceit can seriously damage a firm’s reputation, even before a trial.
- The customer took the bank to court for deceit.
- In law, deceit can lead to a big fine.
- The judge said there was clear deceit in the deal.
- They lost the case because the jury believed there was deceit.
- A business must avoid deceit when it gives information to clients.
- Base: deceit
- Plural: deceit
by deceit
1using dishonesty as a method
Using lies and tricks as the way to get something or make something happen.
- The property was obtained by deceit and must be returned to its original owner.
- He claimed that the contract had been signed by deceit and should be cancelled.
- The committee will investigate whether the funds were raised by deceit.
fraud and deceit
1legal pairing of cheating and deceit
A formal phrase, often in law or business, meaning serious cheating and lying, especially about money or contracts.
- The directors were charged with fraud and deceit in connection with the collapse of the fund.
- The new regulations aim to reduce fraud and deceit in the financial sector.
- He denied all allegations of fraud and deceit during the hearing.
lies and deceit
1false statements and dishonest conduct
Lies and other kinds of dishonest behavior that make people believe things that are not true.
- The report exposed a culture of lies and deceit at the highest levels of government.
- She said she was tired of his lies and deceit and ended the relationship.
- The company’s success was built on lies and deceit rather than hard work.
web of deceit
1complex set of connected lies
Many lies and tricks that are all connected and used together to hide the truth.
- The film follows a family trapped in a web of deceit and betrayal.
- As the trial went on, a web of deceit within the organization was slowly revealed.
- He created a web of deceit that even he could no longer control.