subterfuge

pronunciation

How to pronounce subterfuge in British English: UK [ˈsʌbtəfju:dʒ]word uk audio image

How to pronounce subterfuge in American English: US [ˈsʌbtərfjudʒ] word us audio image

  • Noun:
    something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity

Word Origin

subterfuge (n.)
1570s, from Middle French subterfuge (14c.) or directly from Medieval Latin subterfugium "an evasion," from Latin subterfugere "to evade, escape, flee by stealth," from subter "beneath, below;" in compounds "secretly" (from PIE *sup-ter-, suffixed (comparative) form of *(s)up-; see sub-) + fugere "flee" (see fugitive (adj.)).

Example

1. Such bureaucratic subterfuge works on a small scale .
2. Their communication is natural and direct , without subterfuge or cunning , and every movement has meaning .
3. Mr van rompuy simply expects more of the same : gradual franco-german-led integration combined with indifference to public opinion and a bit of bureaucratic subterfuge .
4. Frank la rue , the united nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression , accused the government of using legal subterfuge to provoke the closure of critical media .

more: >How to Use "subterfuge" with Example Sentences