What does ruse mean?
A ruse is a deceptive trick or strategic maneuver, especially one designed to mislead someone or gain an advantage. In everyday use, the word suggests that the apparent explanation, behavior, or action is not genuine but is being used to achieve a concealed purpose. “Ruse” often appears in formal, literary, or historical contexts, where it can denote either a cynical trick or a ingenious piece of strategy depending on the surrounding description. The word is related to the French ruse, a term for craftiness or trickery. It remains useful when precision matters: where “trick” may suggest any maneuver, “ruse” more specifically emphasizes deception and the deliberate creation of a false impression.
A deceptive or misleading trick or stratagem used to achieve a purpose.
"The smuggler employed a ruse to get the valuable package past the guards."
Commonly formal or literary; it implies deliberate deception and often suggests a cunning strategy.
To deceive or trick someone, especially by using a cunning maneuver.
"The conspirators rused the guards into believing that the corridor was secure."
Less common than the noun and chiefly used in formal or literary contexts.
The standard plural is ruses.
"The novel explores the clever ruses used by both sides during the negotiations."
A ruse is a trick whose success depends on making someone believe the lie.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ruse come from?
The word entered English from Middle English, where rus was used for a trick or deception. Its immediate source was Anglo-French ruse, a word meaning “trick” or “cunning,” which was borrowed from Latin rūsum, a term associated with trickery. The Latin word is related to a family of words concerning crafty or indirect action, though its deeper ancient connections are less certain.
Related word forms
How ruse is actually used
The word is usually formal or literary and implies deliberate deception. It is more commonly used for a trick involving strategy or misrepresentation than for a simple mistake or misunderstanding.
Easily confused with ruse
A ruse is a deceptive trick, whereas a ruin is damage, destruction, or financial loss.
A ruse is a trick or deceptive scheme, while a route is a path or course taken to a destination.