subterfuge

UK: /ˈsʌbtə^rfjuːdʒ/ US: /ˈsʌbtɚˌfjudʒ/ ,(sub′tər fyo̅o̅j′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

sub•ter•fuge /ˈsʌbtɚˌfyudʒ/   n. 

1. a dishonest or illegal action to avoid following a rule, to hide something, etc.:
   [uncountable] a term of office marked by lies and subterfuge.
   [countable] just another subterfuge to avoid facing up to the failure of his policies.

See -fug-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

sub•ter•fuge  (sub′tər fyo̅o̅j′), n. 

1. an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc.

• Late Latin subterfugium, equivalent. to Latin subterfug(ere) to evade (subter below + fugere to flee) + -ium -ium
• 1565–75

Synonyms

deception, scheme, trick, dodge, ruse.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

subterfuge / ˈsʌbtəˌfjuːdʒ/ noun

1. a stratagem employed to conceal something, evade an argument, etc

Etymology: 16th Century: from Late Latin subterfugium, from Latin subterfugere to escape by stealth, from subter secretly + fugere to flee