/ dɪˈsiːt; NAmE / noun
[ U , C ] dishonest behaviour that is intended to make sb believe sth that is not true; an example of this behaviour
SYN deception :
He was accused of lies and deceit.
Everyone was involved in this web of deceit.
Their marriage was an illusion and a deceit.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French , past participle (used as a noun) of deceveir deceive.