accismus

əˈsɪzəməs

Definitions

1. noun

A rhetorical device in which a person affects not to understand or pretend to be unaware of what is meant; feigned ignorance or innocence.

“The politician’s accismus about the economic crisis was seen as a clever ploy to deflect criticism.”

Synonyms

  • affected innocence
  • coyness

Antonyms

  • deceit
  • guile