prank

A trick played on someone for fun, sometimes causing trouble or upsetting them.

• It was only a prank.
• They played a prank on their friend.
• Some pranks can hurt people badly.

How to use it: play a prank on someone (They played a prank on their teacher.)

Similar words: practical joke, trick

Common phrases: play a prank, prank on someone, harmless prank

To play a trick on someone for fun, often to surprise or embarrass them.

• Are you trying to prank me?
• They pranked their brother with a fake spider.
• She loves pranking her friends on their birthdays.

How to use it: prank someone by doing something (She pranked me by hiding my shoes.)

Similar words: trick, fool

Common phrases: prank someone, prank a friend

To call someone and hang up before they answer, using the missed call as a signal.

• Prank me when you arrive.
• She pranked my phone to signal that she was outside.
• He pranked me because he had no phone credit.

How to use it: prank someone when… (Prank me when you reach the gate.)

Common phrases: prank someone, prank my phone