English Reference
adjective

disguised

adj.
US /dɪsˈɡaɪzd/ UK /dɪsɡˈaɪzd/ dis·guised

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    wearing different clothes or changing your face so people do not know who you are.

    wearing a disguise or having an altered physical appearance to conceal one's identity.

    Simple

    The famous actor walked through the park disguised in a wig and glasses.

    In context

    The detective entered the gala disguised as a waiter, hoping to observe the suspect without being recognised by the other guests.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    made to look like something else so that its real meaning or purpose is hidden.

    having a deceptive outward appearance to hide the true nature or function of an object or idea.

    Simple

    The bad news was delivered as a disguised compliment.

    In context

    The mobile phone tower was disguised as a tall pine tree to avoid ruining the natural look of the valley.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency ArchaicSlang

    an old-fashioned way to say someone is very drunk.

    a historical slang term for being intoxicated or drunk.

    Simple

    In the old story, the sailor returned home quite disguised after a night at the pub.

    In context

    The 18th-century diary noted that several guests were heavily disguised by the time the final toast was proposed.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is archaic; modern learners should use 'drunk' or 'intoxicated' instead.

Not, Eagleton clarifies, that it would really matter being found dead disguised as a long-necked ungulate since you would be beyond all caring.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

The Soviets, meanwhile, tried using agents disguised as airline stewardesses to lure Sukarno, a leading voice in the Non-Aligned Movement, to their side.

JSTOR Daily· 10 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated