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¹mask

noun \ˈmask\

Definition of MASK

a (1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise (2) : a person wearing a mask : masker

b (1) : a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice (2) : a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals

c : an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone)

d : a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold

a : something that serves to conceal or disguise : pretense, cloak <aware of the masks, facades and defenses people erect to protect themselves — Kenneth Keniston>

b : something that conceals from view

c : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph

d : a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)

a : a protective covering for the face

b : gas mask

c : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalation

d : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infective material

e : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries

a : the head or face of an animal (as a fox or dog)

b : an area (as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring

See mask defined for English-language learners

See mask defined for kids

Origin of MASK

Middle French masque, from Old Italian maschera

First Known Use: 1534

Related to MASK

Synonyms: vizard

Rhymes with MASK

ask, bask, Basque, cask, casque, flask, masque, Pasch, Rask, task

²mask

verb

: to hide (something) from sight

: to keep (something) from being known or noticed

Full Definition of MASK

intransitive verb

: to take part in a masquerade

a : to assume a mask

b : to disguise one's true character or intentions

transitive verb

: to provide or conceal with a mask: as

a : to conceal from view <mask a gun battery>

b : to make indistinct or imperceptible <masks undesirable flavors>

c : to cover up <masked his real purpose>

: to cover for protection

: to modify the size or shape of (as a photograph) by means of an opaque border

— mask·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

See mask defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of MASK

circa 1562

Related to MASK

Synonyms: camouflage, cloak, dress up, disguise

Antonyms: unmask

Synonym Discussion of MASK

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>.

MASK Defined for Kids