camouflage

[kam-uh-flahzh]

noun

1. the act, means, or result of obscuring things to deceive an enemy, as by painting or screening objects so that they are lost to view in the background, or by making up objects that from a distance have the appearance of fortifications, guns, roads, etc..

   Was camouflage used extensively on fighter aircraft during World War I?

2. concealment by some means that alters or obscures the appearance.

   Drab plumage provides the bird with camouflage against predators.

3. a device or stratagem used for concealment.

   His loud laughter is really camouflage for his basic shyness.

   Synonyms: cover, front, blind, mask

4. clothing made of fabric with a mottled design, usually in shades of green and brown, as that used in military camouflage.

   The street vendors are all selling camouflage this week: pants, jackets, T-shirts, even underwear!

adjective

1. (of fabric or clothing) made with or having a mottled design, as that used in military camouflage.

   a camouflage T-shirt.

verb (used with object)

camouflaged, camouflaging 

1. to disguise by means of camouflage.

   to camouflage ships by painting them gray.

   Synonyms: dissimulate, trick, deceive, mask, conceal, hide, dissemble

verb (used without object)

camouflaged, camouflaging 

1. to use camouflage.

   The angel shark camouflages in the sand.

camouflage

/ ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ /

noun

1. the exploitation of natural surroundings or artificial aids to conceal or disguise the presence of military units, equipment, etc

2. (modifier) (of fabric or clothing) having a design of irregular patches of dull colours (such as browns and greens), as used in military camouflage

3. the means by which animals escape the notice of predators, usually because of a resemblance to their surroundings: includes cryptic and apatetic coloration

4. a device or expedient designed to conceal or deceive

verb

1. (tr) to conceal by camouflage

camouflage

1. Protective coloring or another feature that conceals an animal and enables it to blend into its surroundings.

2. Compare warning coloration

Other Word Forms

• camouflageable adjective
• camouflager noun
• camouflagic adjective
• uncamouflaged adjective
• well-camouflaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of camouflage¹

First recorded in 1915–20; from French, equivalent to camoufl(er) “to disguise” (probably a verbal derivative of camouflet ) + -age noun suffix; camouflet, -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of camouflage¹

C20: from French, from camoufler, from Italian camuffare to disguise, deceive, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

On Sunday, armed federal agents in masks and camouflage marched the streets, targeting street vendors and construction workers as they stopped residents and took them into custody.

Read more on Salon

Prof Stevens said: "If they're increasing, something in their environment may have changed, perhaps fewer predators, or better camouflage in new habitats."

Read more on BBC

In the grainy footage, Mr Phillips could be seen leading his children through the rugged terrain, all wearing camouflaged clothing, raincoats and large backpacks.

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In the video, Phillips and the children were wearing camouflaged clothing and each was carrying their own packs.

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The day before Mr San Diego went off the FBI's radar, Mr Smith was hiding in camouflage outside his home.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• cloak 
• conceal 
• cover 
• disguise 
• hide 
• mask 
• obscure