Definition of: hypocrite

(hip′ə·krit) noun
One who acts a false part or makes false professions. [<Gk. hypokritēs an actor. See HYPOCRISY.]
—hyp′o·crit′i·cal adjective
—hyp′o·crit′i·cal·ly adverb Synonyms: cheat, deceiver, dissembler, impostor, pretender. A hypocrite is one who acts a false part, or assumes a character other than the real. The deceiver seeks to give false impressions of any matter where he has an end to gain; the dissembler or hypocrite seeks to give false impressions in regard to himself. The dissembler is content if he can keep some base conduct or evil purpose from being discovered; the hypocrite seeks not merely to cover his vices, but to gain credit for virtue. The cheat and impostor endeavor to make something out of those whom they may deceive. The cheat is the inferior and more mercenary, as the thimblerig gambler; the impostor may aspire to a fortune or a throne. Compare HYPOCRISY.