feint
/feɪ̯nt/
Group 30Difficulty 2/3
Definitions
- (noun)
- A deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement; a mock attack GRE
- (verb)
- To make a deceptive movement GRE
Example in Context
The general's feint toward the east drew enemy forces away from the western corridor, where the actual advance was planned.
Synonyms
fake moveblufftrick
Etymology
A deceptive move or trick, pretending to strike.
- feindre (French) — to feign
Memory Aid
😵Sounds like “faint”
A boxer pretending to punch and then saying, 'Did you see that FEINT? I made you FAINT!' while striking a pose!
Visual Association
🥊A fighter dodging a blow while dramatically pretending to swoon from the fake attack.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “feint” mean on the GRE?
feint (noun) means “A deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement; a mock attack”. The general's feint toward the east drew enemy forces away from the western corridor, where the actual advance was planned.
How to remember “feint” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “feint” sounds like “faint”. A boxer pretending to punch and then saying, 'Did you see that FEINT? I made you FAINT!' while striking a pose!
What are synonyms for “feint”?
Common synonyms: fake move, bluff, trick.