This is the 9767th most frequent Japanese word.
虚勢
"虚勢" means "false bravado" or "bluffing confidence."
Here, '虚勢を張った' refers to the act of feigning confidence or bravery, even when one doesn't actually feel that way.
彼は彼女の前で強がって虚勢を張った。
He acted bravely and feigned confidence in front of her.
In this sentence, '虚勢' highlights the act of bluffing or putting up a false front, which ultimately led to his vulnerability being revealed.
虚勢を見抜かれ、彼の弱さが露呈した。
His bluff was seen through, exposing his weakness.
This sentence discusses '虚勢' in the context of its intention—whether it was used as a deceptive tactic or not.