deceit n. A tort that is committed when someone knowingly (i.e. without belief in its truth) or recklessly (i.e. careless whether it be true or false) makes a false statement of fact intending that it should be acted on by someone else and that person does act on the false statement and thereby suffers damage (Derry v Peek (1889) 14 AC 337 (HL)). See fraud. |