subterfuge
/ˈsəbtɝfˌjudʒ/
deceit used to achieve one's goal; a stratagem used to deceive
subterfuge in a sentence
“He gained entry through subterfuge, posing as a delivery person.”
Origin of subterfuge
Latin subterfugere from subter beneath + fugere to flee, meaning to escape secretly
Related Words
canard
an unfounded rumor or story
sophistry
the use of clever but false arguments, especially to deceive
calumny
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone
slander
the action of making false spoken statements damaging to a person's reputation
perjury
the offense of willfully telling an untruth after taking an oath
impostor
a person who pretends to be someone else to deceive others