feint1
/feɪnt
/noun
1A deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing: a brief feint at the opponent’s face...
- Both players attempt to control the space by confusing the opponent with feints and deceptive moves.
- If the attack is commenced when the opponent's blade is not in line, the attack may be completed either direct, or by one disengagement or by a cut-over, or else be preceded by successful feints which oblige the opponent to parry.
- The self-absorbed men take center stage via a series of furtive crouches, runs, hops, and boxing feints.
1.1A mock attack or movement in warfare, made in order to distract or deceive an enemy.Account should be taken at the same time of enemy methods of feints and other stratagems....
- In a more narrow sense, the use of strategy may be seen in demonstrations and feints that surprise the enemy by hitting him where he is unprepared.
- Fix the enemy in place using skirmishes, artillery, feints, and demonstrations while probing his lines.
Synonyms
bluff, blind, ruse, deception, subterfuge, hoax, trick, ploy, device, wile, sham, pretence, artifice, cover, smokescreen, distraction, expedient, contrivance, machination
informal dodge, put-on, put-up job, red herring
verb [no object]
Make a deceptive or distracting movement, especially during a fight: Adam feinted with his right and then swung a left...
- Fencing has developed over the centuries to become Europe's most refined martial art, and when one learns how to feint, lunge, parry and riposte it is possible to take this combative art to Olympic level.
- I shifted my grip on my weapon and parried as he feinted at me.
- He taught me how to feint and pull back and right-hand counter-punch.
Origin
Late 17th century: from French feinte, past participle (used as a noun) of feindre 'feign'.
Rhymes
feint2
/feɪnt/adjective
Denoting paper printed with faint lines as a guide for handwriting.
Origin
Mid 19th century: variant of faint.