pretext
Pronunciation:
/ˈpɹiːtɛkst/noun
Definitions
A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.
Example: The reporter called the company on the pretext of trying to resolve a consumer complaint.
verb
Definitions
To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.
Example: The spy obtained his phone records using possibly-illegal pretexting methods.