feint1

 
Pronunciation: /feɪnt/

noun

  • a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing: a brief feint at the opponent’s face
  • a mock attack or movement in warfare, made in order to distract or deceive an enemy.

verb

[no object]
  • make a deceptive or distracting movement, especially during a fight: Adam feinted with his right and then swung a left

Origin:

late 17th century: from French feinte, past participle (used as a noun) of feindre 'feign'

Do not confuse faint with feint. Faint means 'only just able to be seen, heard, or smelled' ( the faint murmur of voices) or 'lose consciousness', while feint means 'a mock attack' or 'make a deceptive movement' ( I feinted to the right, then moved to the left).