Definition of BLUFF

bluff

Meanings

Plural: bluffs

Noun

  • a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
  • pretense that your position is stronger than it really is
    • "his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted"
  • the act of bluffing in poker; deception by a false show of confidence in the strength of your cards
  • An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate or deceive; braggadocio.
  • An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than one actually does.
  • The card game poker.
  • One who bluffs; a bluffer.
  • Pretense, excuse.
  • A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
  • A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.

Verb

  • deceive an opponent by a bold bet on an inferior hand with the result that the opponent withdraws a winning hand
  • frighten someone by pretending to be stronger than one really is
  • To make a bluff; to give the impression that one’s hand is stronger than it is.
  • 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.
  • To perform or achieve by bluffing.
  • To give false information intentionally, to lie (to someone), to deceive; to put on an act.
  • To fluff, puff or swell up.

Adjective Satellite

  • very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front
    • "a bluff headland"
  • bluntly direct and outspoken but good-natured
    • "a bluff but pleasant manner"
    • "a bluff and rugged natural leader"

Adj

  • Having a broad, flattened front.
  • Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
  • Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
  • Roughly frank and hearty in one's manners.

Origin / Etymology

Probably from Dutch bluffen (“to brag”), from Middle Dutch bluffen (“to make something swell; to bluff”); or from the Dutch noun bluf (“bragging”). Related to German verblüffen (“to stump, perplex”).

Synonyms

abrupt, bluff out, blunt, bold, brusque, four flush, sheer, unceremonious

Scrabble Score: 13

bluff is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
bluff is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
bluff is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

bluff is a valid Words With Friends word