disguises; disguised; disguising
1
: to change the usual appearance, sound, taste, etc., of (someone or something) so that people will not recognize that person or thing
He tried to disguise his voice on the phone but I could tell it was him.
She disguised herself in a wig and glasses.
—often + asThe journalist traveled the city disguised as [=dressed like; pretending to be] a beggar.
She disguised herself as a musician to get into the concert hall early.
2
: to hide (something) so that it will not be seen or noticed
I could not disguise [=hide] my surprise.
They disguised [=masked] their true feelings.
We disguised the fact that we were disappointed.
I was aware of her thinly disguised [=poorly hidden] hostility.
plural disguises
1
: clothes or other things that you wear so that people will not recognize you
He wore a disguise of glasses, a fake mustache, and a cap.
2
: the act of changing your appearance so that people will not recognize you
The famous thief is known to be a master of disguise.
Cite this Entry
“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disguise. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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