Words / C1

HOHKS/həʊks/

A hoax is a trick in which people are deliberately made to believe something false (also verb): a bomb hoax, hoax the press. Trick is everyday and milder; a fake all-clear is not a fire drill.

Meaning

A trick in which people are deliberately made to believe something false (also verb).

Examples

• “A fake all-clear is a hoax, not a fire drill; log the incident.”
• “Trick is everyday. Prank is milder. An all-clear vibe is talk. A dated incident line is a file. Log the false alarm; then drill properly if the fire plan still stands.”

Good to know

A deliberate false trick. Everyday: trick. A fake all-clear ≠ a drill.

Near in meaning

trick, prank, deception

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