foist

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to force an unwanted, inferior, or deceptive thing on someone

   The seller tried to foist a damaged appliance on an inexperienced buyer.

2. 2
   verb

   to insert something secretly, improperly, or without justification

   An editor accused the writer of trying to foist invented details into the historical record.

Probably from an obsolete Dutch verb related to vuist, 'fist,' and the idea of taking or concealing something in the hand. Early English senses involved cheating or inserting a false item; the modern construction foist something on someone preserves that deceptive force.

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