clandestine
[klan-des-tin]
- characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, especially for purposes of subversion or deception; private or surreptitious: Their clandestine meetings went undiscovered for two years.
Show More
Origin of clandestine
1560–70; < Latin clandestīnus, equivalent to *clande, *clamde, variant of clam secretly (with -de adv. particle) + -stīnus, probably after intestīnus internal; see intestine
Synonyms
See more synonyms for clandestine on Thesaurus.comhidden, underhand, confidential, illicit.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for clandestine
Contemporary Examples
Never mind the huge buildup of clandestine operatives and secret warriors since 9/11.
Undeterred by the snub in November, and denied a visa to Italy, Agca made plans for clandestine travel to Vatican City.
People there remember rather fondly the clandestine airdrops by the CIA during the 1980s.
“Such a clandestine and pathological way of drinking increases the chances of becoming an alcoholic exponentially,” says Alireza.
Panahi was arrested by the Islamic Republic police in 2009 during the clandestine shooting of a film without a government permit.
Historical Examples
I should abhor these clandestine correspondences, were they not forced upon me.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Our return was clandestine for many of the members, and for me among the number.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
There, Mademoiselle, you have the reason for a clandestine union.
The Suitors of YvonneRaphael Sabatini
Did you not gather that this was not only a runaway match, but a clandestine one?
The Lion's SkinRafael Sabatini
What on earth possesses him to make a clandestine match of it?
ChanceJoseph Conrad
clandestine
- secret and concealed, often for illicit reasons; furtive
Show More
Word Origin
C16: from Latin clandestīnus, from clam secretly; related to Latin celāre to hide
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for clandestine
adj.
1560s, from Latin clandestinus "secret, hidden," from clam "secretly," from adverbial derivative of base of celare "to hide" (see cell), perhaps on model of intestinus "internal." Related: Clandestinely. As a noun form, there is awkward clandestinity (clandestineness apparently being a dictionary word).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper