ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conceal

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kənˈsiɫ// UK //kənsˈiːl// con·ceal

v. to hide something so that other people cannot see it or find it. You use this when you want to keep a secret or keep an object out of sight.

v. to prevent something from being seen or discovered; to withhold information or hide an object from view. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

She tried to conceal the gift behind her back.

CONTEXTUAL

The spy used a hollow book to conceal the stolen documents during the border crossing.

COMPLEX

The defendant was accused of attempting to conceal evidence by deleting several incriminating emails shortly before the investigation began.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English concelen, from Old French conceler (“hide, disguise”), from Latin concelāre, infinitive of concelō (“carefully disguise”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is often used in formal or legal contexts instead of 'hide'.

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