Home › Military Science & Warfare › Intelligence & Espionage › disinformation

disinformation

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

nounC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalneutral

False information, especially that which is intended to mislead.

Disinformation is distinct from 'misinformation' because it implies a deliberate intent to deceive. It's a strategic tool used to manipulate public opinion or intelligence operations.

The story behind the word. The word 'disinformation' is a relatively modern term, a direct translation of the Russian 'dezinformatsiya,' which emerged in the Soviet Union in the 1920s. It was specifically used to describe the systematic spread of false information by intelligence agencies. English adopted it during the Cold War, recognizing the need for a term that explicitly captured the deliberate intent to mislead, distinguishing it from mere misinformation.

Word relationships

propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
deception: The action of deceiving someone.
falsehood: A false statement; a lie.

truth: The quality or state of being true.
fact: A thing that is known or proved to be true.

Commonly confused with

misinformation: 'Disinformation' is false information spread intentionally to deceive. 'Misinformation' is false information spread unintentionally, often due to error or misunderstanding.

Collocations

spread disinformation
disinformation campaign
combat disinformation
source of disinformation
political disinformation

Example sentences

"The propaganda campaign relied heavily on disinformation to discredit political opponents and sway public opinion." The enemy spread disinformation to sow confusion among the troops.
"Combating the rapid spread of disinformation online has become a major challenge for democracies worldwide." Social media platforms struggle to combat the spread of disinformation.
"Part of their strategy involved releasing carefully crafted disinformation to mislead rival nations about their true capabilities." The intelligence agency launched a disinformation campaign.

Memory hook

Think 'DIS-information' – it's information that's DIShonest, designed to DISlead. DIShonest information.

When not to use

Do not use 'disinformation' for unintentional errors or mistakes in reporting; use 'misinformation' for those. 'Disinformation' requires intent to deceive.

Fun facts

The Soviet Union had a specific department, 'Disinformation Department,' dedicated to spreading false information to foreign media and governments.
The concept of 'fake news' is a modern manifestation of disinformation.