hypocrite

hypocrite
[hip-uh-krit] Show IPA noun 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs. 2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements. Origin: 11751225; Middle English ipocrite < Old French < Late Latin hypocrita < Greek hypokrits a stage actor, hence one who pretends to be what he is not, equivalent to hypokr ( nesthai ) (see hypocrisy) + -ts agent suffix Related forms hypocritical, adjective superhypocrite, noun Synonyms deceiver, dissembler, pretender, pharisee.