doctored
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈdɒktəd/
KK: /ˈdɑktərd/
adjective
Definition
Changed or modified in a way that makes it not genuine or true, often to mislead or deceive.
Example
The evidence presented in court was found to be doctored, raising questions about its authenticity.
Conversation
Did you hear about that photo that was doctored before the event?
Yeah, it's crazy how people can change things so easily.
I wonder if anyone will actually believe it was real after all that.
Probably not, but it makes you think about what we see online.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
altered
falsified
modified
Antonyms
genuine
authentic
unmodified
verb
Definition
To change or alter something, often in a way that is misleading or dishonest.
Example
The evidence was found to be doctored, raising questions about its authenticity.
Tense Forms
Past: doctored
Past Participle: doctored
Conversation
Did you hear that the report was doctored before it was released?
Really? That sounds suspicious!
Yeah, I wonder what they were trying to hide by having it doctored.
Root Explanation
Doctored → It is formed from "doctor" (from Latin "docere", meaning to teach or instruct) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "doctored" means to have been altered or manipulated, often in a deceptive manner, as if someone has 'taught' or 'instructed' the original content to change its meaning.
Memory Tip
Think of 'teaching' or 'instructing' ('docere') something to change it — that's why 'doctored' means something has been altered.
Visually Confused Words
undoctored
doored
octoped
motored
dottore