trick
UK: trɪk | US: trɪk
n. 1. A cunning or deceitful action or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
n. 2. A skillful or clever feat intended to entertain or amuse.
v. 3. To deceive or outwit someone by cunning or artifice.
The word "trick" originates from the Old French trique (meaning "deceit, treachery"), which likely derived from the Vulgar Latin triccare (to evade or cheat). This Latin root is tied to tricari (to play tricks), from tricae (perplexities or wiles). The term evolved in Middle English to broadly denote deceitful acts or clever maneuvers, reflecting its dual modern meanings of deception and playful skill.
He played a cruel trick on his younger brother by hiding his shoes.
The magician’s final trick left the audience in awe.
She managed to trick him into revealing the secret.
Learning card tricks requires patience and practice.
Don’t fall for that old trick—it’s just a scam.