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disinformation

dis-in-fer-MAY-shun /ˌdɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

nounC2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalneutral

False information, which is intended to mislead, especially propaganda issued by a government organization to a rival power or to the public.

Disinformation is distinct from misinformation (which is false information spread unintentionally). Disinformation is deliberately created and spread to deceive, manipulate, or sow discord. It's a powerful tool in psychological warfare and political campaigns.

The story behind the word. The word 'disinformation' is a loan translation from the Russian 'dezinformatsiya,' which was coined in the 1920s by the Soviet Union's intelligence agencies to describe their tactics of spreading false information to deceive enemies. It gained wider currency in English during the Cold War.

Word relationships

propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
fabrication: The action or process of inventing or manufacturing something, typically with deceitful intent.
falsehood: The state of being untrue; a lie.

truth: That which is in accordance with fact or reality.
facts: Information that is known or proved to be true.
accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise.

Commonly confused with

misinformation: Misinformation is false information spread unintentionally; disinformation is false information spread intentionally to deceive.

Word family

disinform (verb): to provide with false or inaccurate information

Collocations

spread disinformation
combat disinformation
disinformation campaign
political disinformation

Example sentences

"The government launched a sophisticated disinformation campaign to discredit opposition leaders and suppress dissent." Discussing propaganda tactics.
"Social media platforms are struggling to combat the rapid spread of disinformation, which can undermine public trust." Referring to online content.

Memory hook

Think of 'DIS-information' as 'DIS-honest information' – it's deliberately misleading. Dishonest information

When not to use

Do not use 'disinformation' if the false information was spread accidentally or without malicious intent; use 'misinformation' instead.

Fun facts

The first known use of 'disinformation' in English was in 1939.
The rise of the internet and social media has made the spread of disinformation much faster and more pervasive.