# disguise

/dɪsˈɡaɪz/ (US) · /dɪsɡˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disguise
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to hide identity

verb · CEFR B2

to change your appearance so that people do not know who you are.

For teachers: to alter the appearance of a person or object to prevent recognition or to assume a different identity.

- The spy disguised himself as a waiter to get into the private party.
- The undercover operative disguised her voice and appearance so effectively that even her closest colleagues failed to identify her during the exercise.

### 2. to hide feelings or facts

verb · CEFR B2

to hide a feeling, a fact, or a bad situation so that people don't notice it.

For teachers: to conceal the true nature, quality, or existence of something by providing a false appearance or impression.

- She tried to disguise her disappointment with a forced smile.
- The company attempted to disguise its falling profits by highlighting minor successes in its annual report to shareholders.

### 3. costume or makeup

noun · CEFR B2

things like clothes, hair, or makeup that you wear to hide who you are.

For teachers: the materials, such as apparel or cosmetics, used to alter one's appearance for the purpose of concealment.

- He wore a wig and glasses as a disguise so no one would recognize him.
- The thief's disguise was so convincing that security guards allowed him access to the restricted area without a second glance.

### 4. a false appearance

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the way something looks on the outside that hides what it really is.

For teachers: a deceptive outward appearance that masks the true nature of a situation or object.

- The new law was just a disguise for a tax increase.
- The charitable foundation served as a thin disguise for the billionaire's political lobbying efforts.

## Examples

- He wore a fake beard as a disguise.
- The detective entered the party in a clever disguise, hoping to blend in with the wealthy guests.
- The protagonist's elaborate disguise was so convincing that even his closest allies failed to identify him during the high-stakes operation at the embassy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.