sham

SHAM, n. That which deceives expectation; any trick, fraud or device that deludes and disappoints; delusion; imposture. [Not an elegant word.]

Believe who will the solemn sham, not I. Addison.

SHAM, a. False; counterfeit; pretended; as a sham fight.

SHAM, v.t.

1. To deceive expectation; to trick to cheat; to delude with false pretenses.

They find themselves fooled and shammed into conviction. [Not elegant.]