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Definition of "hoodwink" []

  • To take in by deceptive means; deceive. See Synonyms at deceive. (verb-transitive)
  • Archaic To blindfold. (verb-transitive)
  • Obsolete To conceal. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "hoodwink" in a sentence
  • "And even then it was uncommon because of the profoundly negative connotations blindfolds carried for medieval and Renaissance audiences, who viewed them as emblems not of impartiality but of deception hence the early use of the word hoodwink as a noun, meaning a blindfold or hood."
  • "Will Obama crack under pressure within 100 days in office? survey said that most obama voters do not know what the word hoodwink means?"
  • "We're also against annuities that are sold by unscrupulous salespersons who sometimes "hoodwink" (often older) investors into investing with them by providing false or misleading information about the annuity products they're selling."