Word
unmasked
Phoneticsun·masked, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈmæskt/
UK/ʌnmˈɑːskt/
Definition
v. to remove a mask from someone's face or to reveal a secret identity. It can also mean to show that someone is not who they seem to be.
v. to remove a mask or other covering from the face; by extension, to reveal a hidden identity or true nature. Often used in the passive voice to describe the exposure of a fraud or secret.
Examples
“The hero unmasked the villain at the end of the movie.”
“After years of hiding his true intentions, the politician was finally unmasked by a leaked email.”
“The detective's final piece of evidence served to unmask the entire conspiracy, proving that the suspects had been working for a foreign government all along.”
Examples
simple
“The hero unmasked the villain at the end of the movie.”
contextual
“After years of hiding his true intentions, the politician was finally unmasked by a leaked email.”
complex
“The detective's final piece of evidence served to unmask the entire conspiracy, proving that the suspects had been working for a foreign government all along.”
Real-World Examples
“Vienna police released photos of the two suspects, who were unmasked, captured on security cameras.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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