First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1disguise
verb dis·guise \də-ˈskīz, dis-ˈgīz also diz-\
: to change the usual appearance, sound, taste, etc., of (someone or something) so that people will not recognize that person or thing
: to hide (something) so that it will not be seen or noticed
dis·guiseddis·guis·ing
Full Definition of DISGUISE
transitive verb
1
a : to change the customary dress or appearance of b : to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity
2
obsolete : disfigure
3
: to obscure the existence or true state or character of : conceal <unable to disguise his true feelings>
— dis·guised·ly \-ˈgīz(-ə)d-lē, -ˈkīz(-ə)d-\ adverb
— dis·guise·ment \-ˈgīz-mənt, -ˈkīz-\ noun
— dis·guis·er noun
See disguise defined for English-language learners
See disguise defined for kids
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Origin of DISGUISE
Middle English disgisen, from Anglo-French desguiser, deguiser, from des- dis- + guise guise
Related to DISGUISE
- Synonyms
- camouflage, cloak, dress up, mask
- Antonyms
- unmask
Synonym Discussion of DISGUISE
disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity <disguised herself as a peasant>. cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention <cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy>. mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something <smiling to mask his discontent>.
2disguise
noun
: clothes or other things that you wear so that people will not recognize you
: the act of changing your appearance so that people will not recognize you
Full Definition of DISGUISE
1
: apparel assumed to conceal one's identity or counterfeit another's
2
: the act of disguising
3
a : form misrepresenting the true nature of something <blessings in disguise> b : an artificial manner : pretense <threw off all disguise>
See disguise defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DISGUISE
14th century
Related to DISGUISE
- Synonyms
- camouflage, costume, guise
Other Clothing Terms
DISGUISEMENT Defined for Kids
1disguise
verb dis·guise \də-ˈskīz, dis-ˈgīz\
dis·guiseddis·guis·ing
Definition of DISGUISE for Kids
1
: to change the looks or sound of to avoid being recognized <He disguised his voice on the phone.>
2
: to keep from revealing <She disguised her true feelings.>
2disguise
noun
Definition of DISGUISE for Kids
1
: clothing worn to avoid being recognized
2
: an outward appearance that hides what something really is <a blessing in disguise>
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