dissemble

dis·sem·ble

verb \di-ˈsem-bəl\

dis·sem·bleddis·sem·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of DISSEMBLE

transitive verb

1

: to hide under a false appearance

2

: to put on the appearance of : simulate

intransitive verb

: to put on a false appearance : conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense

— dis·sem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples of DISSEMBLE

1. <he dissembled happiness at the news that his old girlfriend was getting married—to someone else>
2. <children learn to dissemble at a surprisingly early age>

Origin of DISSEMBLE

Middle English dissymblen, alteration of dissimulen, from Middle French dissimuler, from Latin dissimulare — more at dissimulate

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DISSEMBLE

Synonyms

act, affect, assume, bluff, counterfeit, feign, fake, pass (for), pretend, profess, put on, sham, simulate

Related Words

dissimulate, impersonate, let on, masquerade, play, playact, pose; forge, imitate; camouflage, conceal, disguise, mask; feint; malinger

Rhymes with DISSEMBLE

assemble, atremble, resemble