Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

illude

transitive verb
il·lude | \ ə̇ˈlüd also ə̇lˈyüd \
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of illude 

1a : delude, deceive in order to illude him regarding the paternity of the child —R. F. Hawkins

b : to subject to an illusion at the cinema I am … completely illuded —J. E. Agate

2 [ Latin illudere ] obsolete : mock, deride

3 archaic : to escape from : elude glad to illude the burdens of the day —George Crabbe †1832

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for illude

Middle English illuden, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French illuder, from Medieval Latin illudere, from Latin, to mock or jeer at

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about illude

Dictionary Entries near illude

ill-timed

ill-treat

illucidate

illude

illuk

illume

illuminability

Statistics for illude

Look-up Popularity

Comments on illude

What made you want to look up illude? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

milieu

the setting in which something occurs

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

  • gramophone
  • Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games