Hocus
/ˈhoʊkəs/
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The word 'hocus' implies negative judgement and is used for untrustworthy actions.
They used marketing to hocus customers into overpaying.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversational Usage
'Hocus' is more commonly used in informal conversations, not in formal writing.
I can't believe they tried to hocus us with fake reviews.
Pro Tip 3/3Collocations Matter
Pair 'hocus' with words like 'trick', 'cheat', or 'fooled' to clarify that someone is being deceived.
He hocus us by intentionally hiding the truth.
Compare with
BamboozleBeguileConfoundDeceiveDefraudDupeHoodwinkTrick
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