prevaricate

Definition

To deviate, transgress; to go astray (from).

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin praevāricātus, perfect active participle of praevāricor (“to walk crookedly; to play a false or double part”), from prae- + vāricō (“to stand with feet apart, straddle”), from vāricus (“with feet spread apart”); see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Example Sentences

• "The people saw the politician prevaricate every day."

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