The term "fake news" refers to fabricated stories, often with a political or sensationalist agenda, that are presented as credible news reports. These falsehoods can be spread through various channels such as social media, websites, and traditional media outlets, with the intent of manipulating public opinion or deceiving readers for personal gain or propaganda purposes. The phrase "fake news" has become widely used to describe any information that is perceived as misleading or false, regardless of its actual accuracy.