What does "disclose" mean?

1. (to reveal information) to make something known that was secret or private. 2. (to physically uncover) to uncover something so that it can be seen.

How do you use "disclose"?

This is a transitive verb that always requires a direct object, such as a fact, a name, or a document.

disclose

US //dɪˈskɫoʊz// UK //dɪsklˈəʊz// dis·close

1 to reveal information (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to make something known that was secret or private.

to make information known, especially that which has been kept secret or confidential.

Example

The company refused to disclose how much the CEO was paid last year.

Example

Under the new transparency laws, the bank is legally required to disclose all potential conflicts of interest to its clients before any contracts are signed.

Usage

This is a transitive verb that always requires a direct object, such as a fact, a name, or a document.
2 to physically uncover (v.)
C2 Proficiency Literary

to uncover something so that it can be seen.

to expose something to view by removing a cover or opening it up.

Example

As the fog cleared, the rising sun began to disclose the peaks of the mountains.

Example

The archaeologist carefully brushed away the sand to disclose the intricate mosaic floor that had been buried for centuries.
- uncover
- expose
- cover
- shroud

Origin

From Middle English disclosen, from Middle French desclos, from Old French desclore, itself from Vulgar Latin disclaudere, from Latin dis- + claudere (“to close, shut”) or as a variant of discludo, discludere (cf. disclude). By surface analysis, dis- + close.