decipit

Decipit is the third-person singular present indicative active form of the Latin verb decipere, meaning “he deceives,” “she deceives,” or “it deceives.” The verb itself belongs to the third conjugation, specifically the -io subclass, with present forms such as decipio, decipis, decipit, decipimus, decipitis, decipiunt. The principal parts are typically cited as decipere, decipio, decipivi, deceptum.

Etymology and meaning: decipere comes from the combination of de- (away, thoroughly) and capere (to take), figuratively conveying the sense of taking someone in or misleading them. In Latin usage, decipire denotes causing someone to believe something false or to be misled, often by cunning, artifice, or misleading appearances. It is a transitive verb, taking a direct object in the accusative (the person or thing deceived) and frequently appearing with expressions of deception or trickery.

Usage notes: As a present-tense form, decipit describes a current act of deception by a singular subject. Its imperfect, perfect, and other tenses follow the standard patterns of the -io verbs. In literature and rhetoric, decipere and its forms appear in contexts ranging from everyday deceit to more elaborate schemes, sometimes contrasted with phrases about appearance versus reality or with verbs of persuading or misrepresenting.

Example: Decipit amicum. — He deceives a friend. While often associated with cunning or trickery, decipere can also encompass broader senses of leading someone astray, whether through words, appearances, or false information. See also: decipere, deceptus, deceptive.