This meaning refers to a planned deception presented as real, often to gain attention, cause fear, or amuse others.
The supposed discovery was later exposed as a hoax.
The message warning of danger was a hoax.
This meaning refers to carrying out or spreading a deliberate deception.
The group hoaxed the media with a fake announcement.
He claimed that scientists had hoaxed the public.
This modern use refers especially to fabricated online claims, viral messages, fake warnings, or manipulated media.
The article explains how to identify an online hoax.
The health claim circulated as a social-media hoax.
