disguise

¹dis·guise

verb \də-ˈskīz, dis-ˈgīz also diz-\

dis·guiseddis·guis·ing

Definition of DISGUISE

transitive verb

1

a : to change the customary dress or appearance of b : to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity

2

obsolete : disfigure

3

: to obscure the existence or true state or character of : conceal <unable to disguise his true feelings>

— dis·guised·ly \-ˈgīz(-ə)d-lē, -ˈkīz(-ə)d-\ adverb

— dis·guise·ment \-ˈgīz-mənt, -ˈkīz-\ noun

— dis·guis·er noun

Examples of DISGUISE

1. He tried to disguise his voice on the phone but I could tell it was him.
2. She disguised herself in a wig and glasses.
3. We disguised the fact that we were disappointed.

Origin of DISGUISE

Middle English disgisen, from Anglo-French desguiser, deguiser, from des- dis- + guise guise

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISGUISE

Synonyms: camouflage, cloak, dress up, mask

Antonyms: unmask

Related Words: blanket, blot out, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil; affect, assume, counterfeit, dissemble, dissimulate, feign, pose, pretend, sham, simulate; act, fake, impersonate, masquerade, play; cosmeticize, gild, gloss (over), varnish, whitewash

Near Antonyms: display, exhibit, expose, flaunt, parade, show, uncloak, unclothe, uncover, undrape, unveil; bare, betray, disclose, discover, divulge, expose, reveal

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Synonym Discussion of DISGUISE

disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity <disguised herself as a peasant>. cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention <cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy>. mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something <smiling to mask his discontent>.