illusion

dangerous

She was living under a dangerous illusion that her old friend would always be there for her.

optical, visual

The magician created a clever visual illusion that amazed the entire audience.

be under, entertain, have

She entertained the illusion that moving to a new city would solve all her problems.

create, give (sb)

The bright lighting in the shop creates an illusion that the clothes look better than they really do.

foster, maintain, preserve, sustain

The magician worked hard to preserve the illusion that the rabbit had disappeared into thin air.

break, destroy, dispel, shatter

Meeting my favorite actor in person completely destroyed the illusion I had built up over years.

shed

When she finally learned the truth, she shed her illusion that he was a trustworthy friend.

~ about/as to

He had illusions about how easy it would be to learn guitar.

be all an illusion

His confidence seemed real, but it was all an illusion.