trickery

UK: ˈtrɪkəri | US: ˈtrɪkəri

Definition

  1. n. the practice of deception or dishonesty

  2. n. a clever or deceitful skill or technique

Structure
trick <deceive>ery <noun suffix indicating practice or behavior>
Etymology

The word "trickery" combines "trick," derived from Old French trique (deceit) and possibly Latin tricari (to play tricks), with the suffix "-ery," which denotes a collective practice or behavior (e.g., "archery," "bravery"). The term evolved in Middle English to describe the art or habit of deception, reflecting its roots in playful yet dishonest manipulation.

Examples

  1. The magician's trickery left the audience in awe.

  2. Political trickery often undermines public trust.

  3. She saw through his trickery and refused to be fooled.

  4. The con artist relied on trickery to swindle his victims.

  5. Legal trickery can sometimes distort the truth in court.