Dupe

Noun

Definition: A person who is easily deceived or fooled; a gullible or naïve individual.

Synonyms: Sucker, Victim, Fool

Antonyms: Skeptic, Cynic, Doubter

Examples:
  • He fell for the scam and became a dupe.
  • The con artist targeted the dupe in the crowd.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of a "duped" person with a dumb expression on their face.

Verb

Definition: To deceive or trick someone into believing something false or obtaining something through crafty manipulation.

Synonyms: Deceive, Cheat, Trick

Antonyms: Enlighten, Inform, Caution

Examples:
  • The salesman duped the customer into buying a faulty product.
  • She was duped into revealing her personal information to a scammer.
Mnemonics:
  • Remember the phrase "don't be a dupe," meaning don't let yourself be fooled.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "dupe" originated from the French word "dupé," which means deceived or tricked.

Historical Usage:

It has been used in English since the late 17th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Duped into"

Explanation:

Being tricked or deceived into something.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "dupe" interchangeably with "dope" or "dummy."

Explanation:

While they may have similar meanings, "dupe" specifically refers to someone who is easily deceived or tricked, while "dope" or "dummy" can be more general terms for a foolish or unintelligent person.

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