falsehood

Etymology

From Middle English falshede, from false + -hede.

noun

1. (uncountable) The property of being false.
   Every such idiom is what is known as a truth function, and is characterized by the fact that the truth or falsehood of the complex statement which it generates is uniquely determined by the truth or falsehood of the several statements which it combines. 1976, Willard Van Orman Quine, The Ways of Paradox, and other essays, page 89
2. (countable) A false statement, especially an intentional one; a lie.
   Don't tell falsehoods.
3. (archaic, rare) Mendacity, deceitfulness; the trait of a person who is mendacious and deceitful.
   THE LEPROSY OF NAAMAN INFLICTED ON GEHAZI, FOR HIS FALSEHOOD AND COVETOUSNESS. 1817, Robert Stevenson, Scripture Portraits, volume 1, page 155
   O mortal, eschew falsehood and flattery. Death flayeth and killeth the false one: The apostate suffereth for his falsehood and pride; he is tormented in both worlds. Renounce slander and envy of others. 1963, M. Arthur Macauliffe, The Sikh Religion: its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors, page 7
   The false prophet looks like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon. This indicates his falsehood. […] He will pretend to be the same as Christ. 1984, Witness Lee, Life-Study: Revelation: Volume Three: Messages 34-50, Living Stream Ministry, published 1999, page 511
   Lyden: That was wonderful. Could I read just what is the refrain here in English? Ms-Consoli: Yeah. Lyden: Look into my eyes. Take off all falsehood. The aura of pureness reveals fiendish anomalies. And you know what I mean October 7, 2006, Jacki Lyden, “Italian Pop Star Takes on U.S. Music Market”, in NPR All Things Considered