rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysubterfugeDeceptive tactic
noun

subterfuge

SUB-ter-fyooj/ˈsʌbtərfjuːdʒ/

Deception used to avoid difficulty or achieve a goal.

The card player uses subterfuge, secretly drawing an extra card from his sleeve.

A card player secretly draws an extra card from his sleeve beneath the table while presenting an innocent expression to his opponent; poker chips make the advantage he seeks visible.
Etymology
subterLatinbeneath; secretly
+fugeLatinto flee

The components describe fleeing secretly: the ancestral verb meant to evade or escape by stealth. That image underlies an evasive device or deception used to escape trouble or secure an aim.

In context

Libranima523:20
without subterfuge or deception; and believe me, Sancho, that agile country lass was and is Dulcinea del Toboso
Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

  • The plan depended on subterfuge to conceal the shipment’s destination.
  • Her false invitation was a clever subterfuge.
  • The investigation exposed months of deception and subterfuge.

Forms

subterfuge

Similar words

ruse
A ruse is a particular trick; subterfuge can describe a wider practice of concealment or deception.
deceit
Deceit is dishonesty generally; subterfuge emphasizes evasion or concealed means.