feign

//feɪn//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of feign

Verb

feignInfinitive
feignPresent tense
feignedPast tense
feignedPast participle
feigningPresent participle
feignsThird-person singular
1

To pretend to have or feel something, especially an emotion or condition, in order to deceive others.

She feigned illness to avoid going to the meeting.

2

To invent or fabricate something, such as an excuse or story.

He feigned an excuse to leave the meeting early.