falsehood

plural falsehoods

1. uncountableThe property of being false.

   Every such idiom is what is known as a truth function, and is characterized by the fact that the truth or falsehood of the complex statement which it generates is uniquely determined by the truth or falsehood of the several statements which it combines.

   1976, Willard Van Orman Quine, The Ways of Paradox, and other essays, page 89

   Synonyms: falsity

2. countableA false statement, especially an intentional one; a lie.

   Don't tell falsehoods.

   2 more examples

   The fact checking, which started Sunday, stands in stark contrast to the he-said, she-said nature of most television chatfests, even though PolitiFact’s work takes place well after the facts and possible falsehoods are first uttered on TV.

   2010 April 12, Brian Stelter, “‘This Week’ Is Adding Online Fact Checks”, in The New York Times

   Oreskes allowed as much Wednesday, saying the word had not been banned, and adding, "I think one of the big challenges for us will be in situations where the falsehood is repeated so often that it becomes clear, the intent. And then I think it'll be fair to challenge us on the question of — the intent is so obvious that you could add it up and come to the word lie. We'll see."

   2017 January 26, Elizabeth Jensen, “The Pros And Cons Of NPR's Policy Of Not Calling Out 'Lies'”, in NPR

   Synonyms: lie, crock

3. archaiccountablerareuncountableMendacity, deceitfulness; the trait of lying.

   THE LEPROSY OF NAAMAN INFLICTED ON GEHAZI, FOR HIS FALSEHOOD AND COVETOUSNESS.

   1817, Robert Stevenson, Scripture Portraits, volume 1, page 155

   3 more examples

   O mortal, eschew falsehood and flattery. Death flayeth and killeth the false one: The apostate suffereth for his falsehood and pride; he is tormented in both worlds. Renounce slander and envy of others.

   1963, M. Arthur Macauliffe, The Sikh Religion: its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors, page 7

   The false prophet looks like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon. This indicates his falsehood. […] He will pretend to be the same as Christ.

   1984, Witness Lee, Life-Study: Revelation: Volume Three: Messages 34-50, Living Stream Ministry, published 1999, →ISBN, page 511

   Lyden: That was wonderful. Could I read just what is the refrain here in English? Ms-Consoli: Yeah. Lyden: Look into my eyes. Take off all falsehood. The aura of pureness reveals fiendish anomalies. And you know what I mean

   2006 October 7, Jacki Lyden, “Italian Pop Star Takes on U.S. Music Market”, in NPR All Things Considered

   Synonyms: falseness, mendacity