# smokescreen

/ˈsmoʊksˌkɹin/ (US) · /smˈəʊkskɹiːn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smokescreen
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

something you say or do to hide the truth and distract people from what is really happening. It comes from the idea of a thick cloud of smoke that hides soldiers or ships.

For teachers: a concealment or diversion intended to obscure intentions or distract attention from something. Originally a literal cloud of smoke released to hide military movement.

## Examples

- He uses jokes as a smokescreen to hide his nerves.
- The company announced a charity drive, but critics called it a smokescreen to distract from the layoffs.
- Behind the smokescreen of technical jargon, the proposal quietly shifted costs onto tenants who lacked the legal advice to challenge it.

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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.