deception

n. [ F. déception, L. deceptio, fr. decipere, deceptum. See Deceive. ] 1. The act of deceiving or misleading. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being deceived or misled. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is one thing relating either to the action or enjoyments of man in which he is not liable to deception. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which deceives or is intended to deceive; false representation; artifice; cheat; fraud. [ 1913 Webster ]

There was of course room for vast deception. Motley.

Syn. -- Deception, Deceit, Fraud, Imposition. Deception usually refers to the act, and deceit to the habit of the mind; hence we speak of a person as skilled in deception and addicted to deceit. The practice of deceit springs altogether from design, and that of the worst kind; but a deception does not always imply aim and intention. It may be undesigned or accidental. An imposition is an act of deception practiced upon some one to his annoyance or injury; a fraud implies the use of stratagem, with a view to some unlawful gain or advantage. [ 1913 Webster ]