mislead
/mɪsˈliːd/to cause someone to believe something that is not true
The politician was accused of misleading the public about the economy.
The politician was accused of giving the public incorrect information about the economy.
She misled her friends by pretending she was happy when she was actually sad.
She deceived her friends by acting happy when she was actually sad.
Often used in contexts involving deception or intentional false information.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Usage
Mislead is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or political discussions.
Avoid Confusion
Do not confuse 'mislead' with 'misled', which is the past tense and past participle.
⚡Gold Rule
Intentional Deception
Mislead implies intentional deception, not accidental mistakes.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'misleeden', from 'mis-' (badly) + 'leaden' (to lead).
📝Usage Notes
Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe intentional deception.