disguise
v. · n.-
1 to hide identity (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto change your appearance so that people do not know who you are.
to alter the appearance of a person or object to prevent recognition or to assume a different identity.
ExampleThe spy disguised himself as a waiter to get into the private party.
ExampleThe undercover operative disguised her voice and appearance so effectively that even her closest colleagues failed to identify her during the exercise.
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2 to hide feelings or facts (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto hide a feeling, a fact, or a bad situation so that people don't notice it.
to conceal the true nature, quality, or existence of something by providing a false appearance or impression.
ExampleShe tried to disguise her disappointment with a forced smile.
ExampleThe company attempted to disguise its falling profits by highlighting minor successes in its annual report to shareholders.
- mask
- cover up
- gloss over
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3 costume or makeup (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethings like clothes, hair, or makeup that you wear to hide who you are.
the materials, such as apparel or cosmetics, used to alter one's appearance for the purpose of concealment.
ExampleHe wore a wig and glasses as a disguise so no one would recognize him.
ExampleThe thief's disguise was so convincing that security guards allowed him access to the restricted area without a second glance.
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4 a false appearance (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe way something looks on the outside that hides what it really is.
a deceptive outward appearance that masks the true nature of a situation or object.
ExampleThe new law was just a disguise for a tax increase.
ExampleThe charitable foundation served as a thin disguise for the billionaire's political lobbying efforts.
From Middle English disgisen, disguisen, borrowed from Old French desguiser (modern French déguiser), itself derived from des- (“dis-”) (from Latin dis-) + guise (“guise”) (from a Germanic source).