Meaning & Definition of word "Disguise"

Disguise

/dɪsˈɡaɪz/

noun:

  • 1. A means of altering one's appearance or character to conceal identity or intentions.
    • Example: The detective wore a disguise to infiltrate the criminals' hideout.
  • 2. A deceptive appearance or façade.
    • Example: Underneath his charming disguise, he was actually quite manipulative.

verb:

  • 1. To change the appearance, sound, or function of something to conceal its true identity or character.
    • Example: She decided to disguise herself as a witch for the Halloween party.
  • 2. To hide or conceal something.
    • Example: He tried to disguise his true feelings about the situation.

Etymology

Middle English (disgisen), from Old French disguiser, from des- (de-) + guise (manner, appearance)

Common Phrases and Expressions

in disguise:

In a form that conceals the true identity or nature.

disguise one's intentions:

To hide or obscure one's real motives.

disguise as someone:

To pretend to be another person.

Related Words

mask:

A covering for all or part of the face, typically used for disguise.

cloak:

To cover or conceal, often used in the sense of hiding something.

costume:

Clothing worn by an actor or actress for a particular role.

Slang Meanings of disguise

Meaning: Undercover

Example Sentence: He was working undercover, always in disguise.

Meaning: Incognito

Example Sentence: She traveled incognito to avoid being recognized.