What does trick mean?
Trick is a versatile word for an action, method, or maneuver that deceives, misleads, or gains an advantage. As a noun, it can describe a deliberate deception, a playful prank, a cunning strategy, or a useful technique: learning a trick for remembering names is different from discovering someone else’s trick. As a verb, it means to deceive someone, especially by persuading them to do something they did not intend: a salesman tricked customers into buying worthless products. The adjective occurs chiefly in expressions such as “trick question,” describing something designed to mislead. Trick can therefore sound disapproving when it refers to dishonesty, but it can be humorous or neutral when it refers to a prank or a clever solution. Its meaning depends heavily on context, the people involved, and whether the deception is intended to harm, amuse, or simply impress.
An action, method, or maneuver intended to deceive, mislead, or gain an advantage; also a prank or a clever technique.
"The children were playing a trick on their grandfather."
In formal contexts, the word often suggests deception or unfairness; in informal contexts, it may be humorous or refer to a clever method.
To deceive or mislead someone, especially by persuading them to do something they would not otherwise do.
"He tricked me into believing the message was genuine."
Often used in constructions such as “trick someone into doing something” or “trick someone out of something.”
Of or relating to a deception or deliberately misleading act; commonly used in the expression “trick question.”
"The exam included a trick question about spelling."
This use is relatively uncommon outside established expressions.
The regular plural is “tricks”; the singular form is used for an individual deception, maneuver, technique, or prank.
"The magician performed several tricks at the party."
A trick can be a fraud, a prank, or simply a clever way of solving a problem.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How trick is actually used
The noun is common in both formal and informal English, but it often carries a connotation of deception, cunning, or unfairness. In informal contexts, “trick” can also be used approvingly for a clever technique, while “trick question” and “trick or treat” are established expressions.
Easily confused with trick
A trick is a deceptive maneuver or method, whereas a truce is a temporary agreement to stop fighting or hostile activity.