1. A high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
   "The hikers admired the view from atop the bluff overlooking the river"; "Erosion had carved impressive bluffs along the coastline"
    
2. Pretence that your position is stronger than it really is
   "his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted"
    
3. The act of bluffing in poker; deception by a false show of confidence in the strength of your cards
   "His bluff didn't fool the experienced players at the table";
   - four flush [informal]

1. Frighten someone by pretending to be stronger than one really is
   "He tried to bluff his way past security"
    
2. (card game) deceive an opponent by a bold bet on an inferior hand with the result that the opponent withdraws a winning hand
   "He managed to bluff out his opponent and win the pot";
   - bluff out

1. Very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front
   "a bluff headland";
   - bold, sheer
    
2. Bluntly direct and outspoken but good-natured
   "a bluff but pleasant manner"; "a bluff and rugged natural leader"

Derived forms: bluffing, bluffest, bluffs, bluffed, bluffer

See also: direct, steep

Type of: affright, bank, deceit, deception, dissembling, dissimulation, fright [archaic], frighten, go, move, pretence [Brit, Cdn], pretense [N. Amer], scare

Encyclopedia: Bluff, Richard