falsehood
UK: ˈfɔːlshʊd | US: ˈfɒlsˌhʊd
n. the state or quality of being false; deception or lying
n. a false statement or lie
falsehood = false<untrue> + hood<state/condition>
- false: From Old French fals (deceptive, untrue), derived from Latin falsus (deceitful, counterfeit).
- hood: A noun-forming suffix from Old English -hād (state, condition, quality), originally denoting rank or status (e.g., childhood, neighborhood).
Etymology Origin:
The word falsehood combines false (rooted in Latin falsus) with the Germanic suffix -hood, creating a term that literally means "the condition of being false." The suffix -hood evolved from Old English to abstractly describe states or qualities, making falsehood a hybrid of Latin and Germanic linguistic elements. This blend reflects the historical layering of English vocabulary.
His speech was full of falsehoods designed to mislead the public.
The detective uncovered the falsehood in the witness’s testimony.
Spreading falsehoods can damage one’s reputation irreparably.
She accused him of falsehood when he denied knowing about the plan.
The documentary exposed the falsehood behind the popular myth.