Main Entry: ¹dis·guise

Pronunciation: \də-ˈskīz, dis-ˈgīz also diz-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): dis·guised; dis·guis·ing

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

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms 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>.