hoax
UK[həʊks]US[hoʊks]
n
an act intended to trick or deceive people, often by making them believe something false
v
to trick or deceive someone with a hoax
Etymology
the word 'hoax' first appeared in english in the late 18th century. it is widely believed to be a contraction or alteration of 'hocus', the first word of the juggler's pseudo-latin phrase 'hocus pocus', used to create an air of mystery and deception during magic tricks. this connection directly links the word's origin to the world of trickery and illusion. over time, 'hoax' shed its specific association with stage magic and broadened to describe any deliberate deception or practical joke intended to fool the public.
Analysis
the word 'hoax' is a simplex word. it does not break down into meaningful sub-parts (morphemes) within modern english spelling. its origin is obscure, possibly an alteration of 'hocus', as in 'hocus-pocus'.
Examples
the report of a monster in the lake turned out to be an elaborate hoax.
someone had hoaxed the public by creating a fake news website.
the famous war of the worlds radio broadcast caused panic, though it was not intended as a hoax.