1 B2 idiomatic informal
In sports, to make a deceptive move that causes an opponent to react to a false action.
"The striker faked out the goalkeeper with a shoulder drop before slotting the ball into the net."
separable
fake out
B2 informal separable transitive
To deceive or bluff someone with a false move or misleading action.
In plain English
To trick someone by making them think you are going to do one thing and then doing something else.
What does "fake out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To deceive or mislead someone in everyday life, often as a prank or bluff.
"She totally faked me out when she said the concert was cancelled — she was setting up a surprise party."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something false come out toward someone.
Actually means
To trick someone by making them think you are going to do one thing and then doing something else.
Usage tip
Common in North American English, especially in sports contexts (basketball, football) where a player fakes a move to deceive an opponent. Also used in everyday informal speech to mean any kind of bluff or deception.
Words that pair with "fake out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opponent defender crowd move feint
How to conjugate "fake out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fake out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fakes out
he/she/it
Past simple
faked out
yesterday
Past participle
faked out
have + pp
-ing form
faking out
continuous
Hear "fake out" in the wild
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