simulation

First attested in 1340. From Middle English simulacion/simulacioun, from Old French simulation/simulacion, from Latin simulātiōnem, from simulō (“imitate”).

simulation (countable and uncountable, plural simulations)

1. Something that simulates a system or environment in order to predict actual behaviour.

   This exercise is a simulation of actual battle conditions.

   The most reliable simulation predicts that the hurricane will turn north.

2. The process of simulating.

   Despite extensive simulation in the design phase, the aircraft failed to behave as expected.

3. (informal) A video game designed to convey a more or less realistic experience, as of a sport or warfare.

   Some kids in the classroom will be playing simulations after school.

4. Assuming an appearance which is feigned, or not true.
   • 1625, Francis Bacon, “Of Simulation and Dissimulation”, in The essays, or Counsels, civil & moral, with a table of the colours of good and evil. Whereunto is added The wisdome of the ancients, enlarged by the author‎, published 1680:

     For to him that opens himself, Men will hardly shew themselves averse, but will (fair) let him go on, and turn their freedom of speech to freedom of thought. And therefore it is a good shrewd Proverb of the Spaniard, Tell a lye, and find a Troth; as if there were no way of discovery, but by Simulation.

5. (soccer) The act of falling over in order to be awarded a foul, when a foul hasn't been committed.
   • 2004 April 19, Ravi Ubha, “Inside Soccer: FIFA gives Cameroon short(s) shrift”, in Seattle Post-Intelligencer‎:

     "Players are very good at simulation," said Premier League referee Graham Poll. "I'm not saying they do practice, but I find it hard to believe they are so good at something without practicing. We have to issue more cards because it is the only way we can stop simulation spoiling the game. It is a cancer."

   • 2012 February 11, “AVB wants action on simulation”, in Belfast Telegraph‎:

     In the build-up to the second spot-kick, Villa-Boas felt United striker Danny Welbeck had deliberately tripped over the leg of Branislav Ivanovic rather than an intentional foul being committed. "Referees have pretty clear orders on simulation, but it is difficult for them to assess the difference between simulation and fouls in those situations," he said.

• IPA^(key): /sɪmjʊleɪʃən/

• imitation
• replica

From Latin simulationem.

simulation f (plural simulations)

1. simulation

• “simulation” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).