FluentPlex

bluff

/blʌf/ verb C2
  1. To make a bluff; to give the impression that one’s hand is stronger than it is. · John bluffed by betting without even a pair.
  2. To frighten, deter, or deceive with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate or gain some advantage. · The government claims it will call an election if this bill does not pass. Is it truly ready to do so, or is it bluffing?
  3. To perform or achieve by bluffing. · We bluffed our way past the guards.
  4. To give false information intentionally, to lie (to someone), to deceive; to put on an act.

He/she/it bluffs · Past bluffed · Past participle bluffed · -ing form bluffing

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Verb forms

Base form
bluff
He/she/it
bluffs
Past
bluffed
Past participle
bluffed
-ing form
bluffing

From the library

"You can't bluff me, Count Sylvius." Holmes's eyes, as he gazed at him, contracted and lightened until they were like two menacing points of steel.
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, p. 38 · B2
"And you talk about bluff!" said he.
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, p. 38 · B2

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Words, meanings, pronunciations and translations from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0); how common each word is from wordfreq. Made into this dictionary by FluentPlex.