ruse etymology

Etymology

The word "ruse" comes from the French word "ruse," meaning "trick" or "stratagem." It is ultimately derived from the Latin word "redux," meaning "brought back" or "returned."

Meaning

A ruse is a trick, deception, or maneuver used to gain an advantage. It involves misleading an opponent or deceiving them in order to achieve a desired outcome. Ruses can be used in various contexts, including warfare, diplomacy, and everyday life.

Origin

The use of ruses has been documented throughout history. In ancient times, ruses were employed by military commanders to outwit their enemies. For example, in the Trojan War, the Greeks used a ruse known as the "Trojan Horse" to gain entry into the city of Troy and defeat its defenders.

In diplomacy, ruses have been used to achieve political objectives. For example, in the 16th century, English diplomat Sir Francis Walsingham employed a ruse known as the "Bond of Association" to trick Mary, Queen of Scots, into coming to England, where she was subsequently imprisoned and executed.

In everyday life, ruses can be used to achieve personal gain or avoid unpleasant situations. For example, a person may use a ruse to get out of work early or to avoid an awkward conversation.

Examples of Ruses

  • Trojan Horse: Using a decoy or object to deceive an opponent into believing it is something harmless or beneficial.
  • False Flag Operation: Pretending to be a member of an opposing group to gain intelligence or carry out an attack.
  • Decoy: Using a distraction to draw attention away from a more important objective.
  • Feint: Pretending to attack in one direction to deceive an opponent about the true target.
  • Masquerade: Disguising oneself or using a ruse to gain access to a restricted area or to fool an opponent.

ruse relate terms

  • recuse

    Etymology The word recuse comes from the Latin verb recusare meaning to refuse or

  • cause

    Etymology The word cause derives from the Old French word cause which itself comes f

  • rush

    Etymology The word rush has two distinct etymological origins Germanic origin Poss

  • recuse

    Etymology The word recuse comes from the Latin verb recusare meaning to refuse or

  • ruse

    Etymology The word ruse comes from the French word ruse meaning trick or stratage

  • artifice

    Etymology Middle English artifice from Old French artifice from Latin ars artis a

  • sedulous

    Etymology Latin sedulus meaning diligent assiduous watchful Indo European sed m

  • put on

    Etymology The word put on is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings The etymology o

  • trick

    Etymology Old French triche tricquier Latin tricae trifles obstacles Meaning

  • fiction

    Etymology The word fiction derives from the Latin word fictio which means somethin

  • maneuver

    Etymology The word maneuver comes from the French word manœuvre which in turn deri

  • Appalachian

    Etymology Appalachian is derived from the Apalachee people a Native American tribe th

  • scruple

    Etymology Middle English scropele scropil from Old French escrupule escrople from L

  • season

    Etymology The word season derives from the Middle English word sesun which itself co