noun

disinformation

/ˌdɪsɪnˈfɔːrmeɪʃən/ · say it: dis·in·for·MAY·shun

false information spread on purpose to mislead

In From the Front Page

In more detail

false information that is spread deliberately to deceive or mislead people

Examples

The social media campaign spread disinformation about the election.

How to use disinformation

Disinformation refers specifically to false information spread with deliberate intent to mislead, distinguishing it from misinformation, which is unintentionally false. It is commonly used in political, media, and security contexts, particularly regarding online content and foreign interference. The term carries a strong negative connotation and emphasizes intentionality.

Common phrases

spread disinformation
campaign of disinformation
disinformation war
deliberate disinformation
combat disinformation

Synonyms

misinformation · disinformation · propaganda · falsehood · deception

Opposites

truth · fact · information

Word family

disinform (verb) · disinformer (noun)

A common mistake

Learners often use disinformation and misinformation interchangeably, but disinformation requires intentional deception while misinformation can be spread accidentally.

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