hypocrisy
/hɪˈpɒkrɪsi/ · hy·po·cry
noun
- The act of pretending to have virtues or moral principles that one does not actually possess, especially when this is done to deceive others or to gain an advantage The politician's hypocrisy was exposed when it was revealed that she had invested in the very companies she had publicly criticized.
Did you know? The word hypocrisy has been used in the English language since the 14th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time. Interestingly, the concept of hypocrisy has been explored in various literary works, including Shakespeare's plays, where it is often used to critique societal norms and moral values.