disguise

 
Pronunciation: /dɪsˈgʌɪz/

verb

[with object]
  • give (someone or oneself) a different appearance in order to conceal one’s identity: he disguised himself as a girl Bryn was disguised as a priest (as adjective disguised) a disguised reporter
  • make (something) unrecognizable by altering its appearance, sound, taste, or smell: does holding a handkerchief over the mouthpiece really disguise your voice?
  • conceal the nature or existence of (a feeling or situation): he made no effort to disguise his contempt (as adjective disguised) his voice was heavy with barely disguised emotion

noun

  • a means of altering one’s appearance to conceal one’s identity: I put on dark glasses as a disguise
  • [mass noun] the state of having altered one’s appearance in order to conceal one’s identity: I told them you were a policewoman in disguise
  • [mass noun] the concealing of one’s true intentions or feelings: the children looked at her without disguise

Derivatives

disguisement

noun ( archaic)

Origin:

Middle English (meaning 'change one's usual style of dress', with no implication of concealing one's identity): from Old French desguisier