# stealth

/ˈstɛɫθ/ (US) · /stˈɛlθ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. secrecy of movement

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of moving or acting quietly and secretly so that you are not seen or heard.

For teachers: the attribute of acting with extreme secrecy or caution to avoid detection. Uncountable in this sense.

- The cat used stealth to creep up on the bird without making a sound.
- The success of the operation depended entirely on stealth, as any premature detection by the guards would have compromised the entire mission.

### 2. radar-evading technology

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

designed to be very difficult for radar or other sensors to detect.

For teachers: relating to technology that reduces the radar cross-section or infrared signature of a vehicle or craft.

- The military uses stealth aircraft that can fly into enemy territory without being seen on radar.
- Engineers focused on the unique angular geometry of the stealth bomber to ensure it remained invisible to conventional long-range tracking systems.

### 3. secret or hidden

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

done in a secret way, often without people knowing the true purpose.

For teachers: surreptitious or not openly acknowledged; often describes marketing or social behaviors.

- The company used a stealth marketing campaign by paying people to talk about the product in cafes.
- The legislation was introduced through a stealth tactic, buried deep within a larger, unrelated budget bill to avoid public debate.

### 4. to move secretly

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to move very quietly and carefully to avoid being noticed.

For teachers: to move or proceed using stealthy maneuvers. Often used intransitively in gaming or tactical contexts.

- In the video game, you have to stealth past the guards to reach the treasure.
- The player managed to stealth through the entire level without triggering a single alarm or engaging in combat.

### 5. non-consensual condom removal

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

to secretly remove a condom during sex without the partner's permission.

For teachers: to engage in the act of removing a prophylactic during sexual intercourse without the partner's knowledge or consent.

- He was arrested after his partner discovered he had decided to stealth her during their encounter.
- Legal scholars argue that to stealth a partner constitutes a fundamental violation of consent and should be prosecuted as a serious offense.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and is considered a criminal offense in many jurisdictions.

Teaching tip: This is a highly sensitive and modern legal term; use with extreme caution as it describes a form of sexual assault.

## Examples

- The cat moved with stealth across the floor.
- The soldiers used stealth to avoid detection by the enemy patrols.
- Modern military aircraft rely on stealth technology to remain invisible to radar systems, fundamentally changing the dynamics of aerial combat.

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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.