delude

Definition

To deceive into believing something which is false; to lead into error; to dupe.

Etymology

From Middle English deluden, borrowed from Latin dēlūdō (“mock, deceive”), from de + lūdō (“to make sport of, to mock”). See ludicrous.

Example Sentences

• "Ralph Wiggum is generally employed as a bottomless fount of glorious non sequiturs, but in “I Love Lisa” he stands in for every oblivious chump who ever deluded himself into thinking that with persistence, determination, and a pure heart he can win the girl of his dreams."
• "To delude the nation by an airy phantom."
• "It deludes thy search."

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