Made up or invented something false, or manufactured or constructed something physical.
From Latin 'fabricatus', past participle of 'fabricare' meaning to make or construct, from 'fabrica' (workshop). The 'false creation' sense developed alongside the physical manufacturing meaning.
The dual meaning of 'fabricated' - both creating something real (manufacturing) and something false (lying) - reflects how the same creative process can produce truth or deception. Both involve skillful construction, just with different intentions.
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