SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

cover-up

noun cov·er-up \ ˈkə-vər-ˌəp \

Definition of cover-up

1 a :a device or stratagem for masking or concealing

his garrulousness is a cover-up for insecurity

b :a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public

2 :a loose outer garment

See cover-up defined for English-language learners

See cover-up defined for kids

First Known Use of cover-up

1927

cover-up Synonyms

Synonyms

blanket, cope, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps

Related Words

blind, concealer, screen, shield; fig leaf, Potemkin village, Trojan horse; camouflage, disguise, facade (also façade), face, mask, veneer; gloss, varnish

COVER-UP Defined for English Language Learners

cover-up

noun

Definition of cover-up for English Language Learners

: a planned effort to hide a dishonest, immoral, or illegal act or situation
: an action or a way of behaving that is meant to prevent people from knowing about something

Learn More about cover-up

See words that rhyme with cover-up Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cover-up Nglish: Translation of cover-up for Spanish speakers

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