Definition of trick
1a : a crafty procedure or practice meant to deceive or defraudb : a mischievous act : prankc : a deceptive, dexterous, or ingenious feat; especially : one designed to puzzle or amuse a juggler's tricksd : an indiscreet or childish action
2a (1) : a quick or artful way of getting a result : knack the trick is to make it look natural (2) : an instance of getting a desired result one small adjustment will do the trickb : a technical device (as of an art or craft) the tricks of stage technique
3a : a delusive appearance especially when caused by art or legerdemain : an optical illusion a mere trick of the lightb : a habitual peculiarity of behavior or manner a horse with the trick of shyingc : a characteristic and identifying feature a trick of speech
4 : the cards played in one round of a card game often used as a scoring unit
5a : a sexual act performed by a prostitute turning tricks; also : john 2b : shift 4b(1)c : a trip taken as part of one's employmentd : a turn of duty at the helm usually lasting for two hours
6 : an attractive child or woman a cute little trick
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Examples of trick in a Sentence
It was a trick to persuade her to give him money.
She enjoys playing tricks on her friends.
For his last trick, the magician made a rabbit disappear.
Origin and Etymology of trick
Middle English trikke, from Anglo-French *trik, from trikier to deceive, cheat, from Vulgar Latin *triccare, alteration of Latin tricari to behave evasively, shuffle, from tricae complications, trifles
Synonym Discussion of trick
trick
Definition of trick
Examples of trick in a Sentence
He tricked her by wearing a disguise.
you tricked me into thinking my ex wasn't coming to the party tonight
First Known Use of trick
circa 1500
trick
Definition of trick
Examples of trick in a Sentence
a trick shot in pool
He has a trick knee.
First Known Use of trick
circa 1530
TRICK Defined for English Language Learners
trick
playDefinition of trick for English Language Learners
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: an action that is meant to deceive someone
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: something done to surprise or confuse someone and to make other people laugh
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: a clever and skillful action that someone performs to entertain or amuse people
trick
Definition of trick for English Language Learners
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: to deceive (someone)
trick
Definition of trick for English Language Learners
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: using methods that are meant to deceive someone
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: done in a clever or entertaining way
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: weak and tending to fail suddenly
TRICK Defined for Kids
Definition of trick for Students
1 : an action intended to deceive or cheat
2 : a mischievous act : prank
3 : an action designed to puzzle or amuse a card trick Mouse was trying to teach me a new yo-yo trick … — Judy Blume, Sheila the Great
4 : a quick or clever way of doing something I know a trick for remembering names.
5 : the cards played in one round of a game
Definition of trick for Students
: relating to or involving actions intended to deceive or puzzle We scored a touchdown on a trick play.
Learn More about trick
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See words that rhyme with trick Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trick Spanish Central: Translation of trick Nglish: Translation of trick for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of trick for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trick
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