də̇ˈlüd, dēˈ- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English deluden, from Latin deludere, from de- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous
1. : to lead from truth or into error : mislead the mind or judgment of : impose on : deceive , trick : make a fool of
they deluded themselves with belief in their own superiority
2. obsolete
a. : to trifle with (one) as if acting seriously : mock
b. : to frustrate or disappoint
c. : evade , elude
Synonyms: see deceive