# crocodile tear

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkɹɒ.kə.daɪl ˌtɪə/

## Definitions
1. A tear shed insincerely, in a false display of sorrow or some other emotion.
2. A display of tears that is forced or false.

## Etymology
From the ancient belief that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey.

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