First Known Use: 1644
Dictionary
1feint
noun \ˈfānt\
sports : a quick movement that you make to trick an opponent
Full Definition of FEINT
: something feigned; specifically : a mock blow or attack on or toward one part in order to distract attention from the point one really intends to attack
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Origin of FEINT
French feinte, from Old French, from feint, past participle of feindre
Synonym Discussion of FEINT
trick, ruse, stratagem, maneuver, artifice, wile, feint mean an indirect means to gain an end. trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end <the tricks of the trade>. ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression <the ruses of smugglers>. stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy <the stratagem-filled game>. maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty <last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy>. artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention <the clever artifices of the stage>. wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements <used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself>. feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent <a feint toward the enemy's left flank>.
2feint
verb
sports : to pretend to make an attack as a trick to fool your opponent : to make a feint
Full Definition of FEINT
intransitive verb
: to make a feint
transitive verb
1
: to lure or deceive with a feint
2
: to make a pretense of
See feint defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FEINT
1741
FEINT Defined for Kids
1feint
noun \ˈfānt\
Definition of FEINT for Kids
: a pretended blow or attack at one point or in one direction to take attention away from the point or direction the attack or blow is really coming from
2feint
verb
feint·edfeint·ing
Definition of FEINT for Kids
: to make a feint <The boxer feinted right, then struck with his left.>
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