camouflage

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkaməflɑːʒ/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the disguising of military personnel, equipment, and installations by painting or covering them to make them blend in with their surroundings: on the trenches were pieces of turf which served for camouflage
  • clothing or materials used as camouflage: figures dressed in army camouflage
  • the natural colouring or form of an animal which enables it to blend in with its surroundings: the whiteness of polar bears provides camouflage
  • actions or devices intended to disguise or mislead: much of my apparent indifference was merely protective camouflage

verb

[with object]
  • hide or disguise the presence of (a person, animal, or object) by means of camouflage: the caravan was camouflaged with netting and branches from trees
  • conceal the existence of (something undesirable): grievances should be discussed, not camouflaged

Origin:

First World War: from French, from camoufler 'to disguise' (originally thieves' slang), from Italian camuffare 'disguise, deceive', perhaps by association with French camouflet 'whiff of smoke in the face'

Spelling help

Spell camouflage with ou after the m.

officers go unnoticed in camouflage.