# unmasked

/ənˈmæskt/ (US) · /ʌnmˈɑːskt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unmasked
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.