subterfuge

Definition

An indirect or deceptive device or stratagem; a blind. Refers especially to war and diplomatics.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French subterfuge m, from Medieval Latin subterfugium n, from Latin subterfugiō (“I flee secretly”), from subter (“under”) and fugiō (“I flee”).

Example Sentences

• "Overt subterfuge in a region nearly caused a minor accident."
• "How’s the spy hunt going? Uncovered any subterfuge?"
• "But was it responsible governance to pass the Longitude Act without other efforts to protect British seamen? Or might it have been subterfuge—a disingenuous attempt to shift attention away from the realities of their life at sea."