# artifice

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɑː(ɹ)tɪfɪs/ · frequency rank #48,068

## Definitions
1. A crafty but underhanded deception.
2. A trick played out as an ingenious, but artful, ruse.
3. A strategic maneuver that uses some clever means to avoid detection or capture.
4. A tactical move to gain advantage.
5. Something made with technical skill; a contrivance.

## Etymology
From Middle French artifice, from Latin artificium.

## Easily confused with
- **artifact** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/artifact-vs-artifice)

## Common misspellings (11)
`aritfice`, `arrtifice`, `artfiice`, `artifcie`, `artiffice`, `artificce`, `artifiec`, `artiifce`, `arttifice`, `atrifice`, `ratifice`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/artifice