hoax

Noun · Verb

Synonyms: fraud fraudulence dupery humbug put-on pull someone's leg play a joke on

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantageSynonyms: fraud fraudulence dupery humbug put-on

Verb (1)

subject to a playful hoax or jokeSynonyms: pull someone's leg play a joke on

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Hoax \Hoax\, n. [Prob. contr. fr. hocus, in hocus-pocus.] A deception for mockery or mischief; a deceptive trick or story; a practical joke. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Hoax \Hoax\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hoaxed; p. pr. & vb. n. Hoaxing.] To deceive by a story or a trick, for sport or mischief; to impose upon sportively. --Lamb. [1913 Webster]