# subterfuge

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈsʌbtəɹˌfjuːd͡ʒ/ · frequency rank #42,431

## Definitions
1. An indirect or deceptive device or stratagem; a blind. Refers especially to war and diplomatics.
2. Deception; misrepresentation of the true nature of an activity.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French subterfuge m, from Medieval Latin subterfugium n, from Latin subterfugiō (“I flee secretly”), from subter (“under”) and fugiō (“I flee”).

## Common misspellings (15)
`sbuterfuge`, `ssubterfuge`, `subbterfuge`, `subetrfuge`, `subtefruge`, `subterffuge`, `subterfgue`, `subterfueg`, `subterfugge`, `subterrfuge`, `subterufge`, `subtrefuge`, `subtterfuge`, `sutberfuge`, `usbterfuge`

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