undercover

[uhn-der-kuhv-er, uhn-der-kuhv-]

adjective

1. working or done out of public sight; secret.

   an undercover investigation.

   Synonyms: hidden, clandestine, covert

2. engaged in spying or securing confidential information.

   an undercover agent.

undercover

/ ˌʌndəˈkʌvə /

adjective

1. done or acting in secret

   undercover operations

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercover¹

First recorded in 1850–55; under- + cover

Related Words

• covert