pump fake

noun

: a fake in which a player simulates throwing a pass (as in football) or taking a shot (as in basketball)

pump-fake

ˈpəmp-ˌfāk 

verb

Examples of pump fake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thompson’s 11-point effort against the Warriors included throwing off Curry’s defense with a pump fake before draining one of his two 3-pointers, as well as blocking a Curry attempt. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

Unlike other savvy foul-baiters in the league, Powell prefers to tempt defenders to reach in rather than catch them on a pump fake or in the air. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

The Rams quarterback will try to move Buffalo defenders with his looks, a flick of his shoulders, a tiny pump fake. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

The single’s a pump fake of a first salvo; the album has other plans. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pump fake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache