Social Engineering Definition

noun

The application of methods regarded as similar to engineering techniques in their emphasis on practicality, efficiency, and moral neutrality in an effort to solve a social problem or improve the condition of society.

Webster's New World

(political science) Use of propaganda by a government to sway perceptions and attitudes of its own citizenry.

"This is Your Brain on Drugs" was a humorous failure at social engineering.

Wiktionary

(computer security) The practice of tricking a user into giving, or giving access to, sensitive information, thereby bypassing most or all protection.

After our hacking attempts failed, we tried social engineering, walking into the building and claiming we had to do some urgent work in the server room.

Wiktionary