sham

³sham

verb

shammedsham·ming

Definition of SHAM

transitive verb

: to go through the external motions necessary to counterfeit

intransitive verb

: to act intentionally so as to give a false impression : feign

— sham·mer \ˈsha-mər\ noun

Examples of SHAM

1. She wasn't really hurt; she was only shamming.
2. He was shamming illness to avoid work.

First Known Use of SHAM

1739

Related to SHAM

Synonyms: act, affect, assume, bluff, counterfeit, dissemble, fake, pass (for), pretend, profess, put on, feign, simulate

Related Words: dissimulate, impersonate, let on, masquerade, play, playact, pose; forge, imitate; camouflage, conceal, disguise, mask; feint; malinger

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See Synonym Discussion at assume