Subterfuge
/ˈsʌbtərfjuːʒ/
nounC2
Definition
Subterfuge is a way of hiding the real reason for something by using tricks or lies. People use subterfuge to avoid being honest or to get what they want without others knowing their true plan. It often involves clever or sneaky actions.
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See It in Action
A secret plan or trick to hide the truth or avoid a problem
- •The thief used subterfuge to escape without being caught.
- •Politicians sometimes use subterfuge to hide their real intentions.
- •She employed subterfuge to get the information without anyone noticing.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "subterfuge" like "trick," but more secret and planned carefully to hide the truth.
- ✓Picture someone hiding behind a mask or whispering quietly so no one hears their real plan.
- ✓It's the feeling when you try to solve a problem by sneaky means instead of being direct.
- ✓Sounds like "SUB-ter-few-zh" → imagine a "sub" (under) hiding something under the surface, like a secret submarine.
- ✓In stories, spies often use subterfuge to hide their true mission.
- ✓NOT like "honesty" (telling the truth), subterfuge is about hiding or lying.
- ✓NOT like "accident" (something that happens by chance), subterfuge is planned and intentional.
- ✓NOT like "joke" (funny trick), subterfuge is serious and meant to deceive.
Try Other Words
- •Deception: the act of making someone believe something that is not true (Use when focusing on lying or false appearance)
- •Trickery: clever or dishonest behavior to fool someone (Use for dishonest actions, less formal than subterfuge)
- •Ruse: a clever trick or plan to deceive (Use when emphasizing cleverness and planning)
- •Ploy: a clever action to gain advantage (Use when the trick is used to win or gain something)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "sub-" (under) + "terfuge" (from Latin "terere" meaning to rub or wear down, here meaning an action to avoid or escape)
- •Etymology: From Latin "subterfugere," meaning "to flee secretly or escape by trick"
- •Historical development: Originally meant secret escape or avoidance, now used for any secret trick or plan to hide the truth
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal or literary language to describe secret or clever plans to deceive or avoid problems
Reflect & Connect
•Can subterfuge ever be a good or necessary action, or is it always wrong?
•How does knowing about subterfuge help you understand stories or real-life situations where people hide the truth?
Fill in the blanks
1.He used subterfuge to ___ the truth from the others during the meeting.
2.Subterfuge often involves planning and careful ___ to avoid being discovered.
3.Unlike honesty, subterfuge is meant to ___ or hide real intentions.
4.The spy’s subterfuge allowed her to ___ important secrets without suspicion.
5.People use subterfuge when they want to ___ their real feelings or goals.
6.Subterfuge is different from a simple mistake because it is ___ and planned.
7.When someone uses subterfuge, you can often expect ___ or hidden motives behind their actions.