disguise Definition
- 1to change someone's appearance so that people cannot recognize them
- 2clothing or other items used to change someone's appearance so that people cannot recognize them
- 3to hide something by giving it a different appearance
Using disguise: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "disguise" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He disguised himself as a woman to avoid being recognized.
Example
The spy disguised the microfilm as a button.
Example
She disguised her voice on the phone.
Example
The company disguised the layoffs as restructuring.
disguise Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for disguise
- camouflage
- conceal
- mask
- veil
- hide
Antonyms for disguise
- expose
- reveal
Idioms Using disguise
a blessing in disguise
something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening later
Example
Losing his job turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he found a better one soon after.
keep up appearances
to maintain a certain image or reputation, especially in public, even if it is not entirely true or accurate
Example
Despite their financial troubles, they tried to keep up appearances by continuing to go out to expensive restaurants.
put on a brave face
to try to appear brave or optimistic in a difficult or challenging situation
Example
Even though she was scared, she put on a brave face for her children.
Phrases with disguise
in disguise
wearing clothing or other items that change one's appearance so that people cannot recognize them
Example
The celebrity went out in disguise to avoid being recognized by fans.
under the guise of
using a false appearance or pretext to conceal one's true intentions or identity
Example
He entered the building under the guise of a delivery man.
disguise one's feelings
to hide or conceal one's emotions or thoughts
Example
She tried to disguise her disappointment with a smile.
Origins of disguise
from Old French 'desguiser', meaning 'to change one's appearance'
Summary: disguise in Brief
The verb 'disguise' [dɪsˈɡaɪz] means to change someone's appearance or hide something by giving it a different appearance. It can refer to clothing or other items used to change someone's appearance, as well as the act of changing one's voice or behavior. Phrases like 'in disguise' and 'under the guise of' denote a false appearance or pretext, while idioms like 'a blessing in disguise' and 'put on a brave face' refer to situations where one tries to maintain a certain image or hide their true feelings.
