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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DISSEMBLE

assemble, atremble, resemble