conceal
Americanverb (used with object)
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to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight.
He concealed the gun under his coat.
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to keep secret; to prevent or avoid disclosing or divulging.
to conceal one's identity by using a false name.
verb
-
to keep from discovery; hide
-
to keep secret
Related Words
See hide 1.
Other Word Forms
- concealability noun
- concealable adjective
- concealedly adverb
- concealedness noun
- concealer noun
- concealment noun
- half-concealed adjective
- half-concealing adjective
- preconceal verb (used with object)
- reconceal verb (used with object)
- semiconcealed adjective
- subconcealed adjective
- unconcealed adjective
- unconcealing adjective
- unconcealingly adverb
- well-concealed adjective
Etymology
Origin of conceal
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English conselen, concelen, from Anglo-French conceler from Latin concēlāre, from con- con- + cēlāre “to hide” ( hull 1 )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ting-Wei Sun was described in the filing as a "fixer" who worked with others to conceal the scheme.
From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026
“These defendants allegedly fabricated documents, staged bogus equipment to pass audit inventories, and used a pass-through company to conceal their misconduct and true clientele list,” federal prosecutors said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026
Although this helps ships conceal their position, it also presents challenges for firms like Kpler who are tracking movements in the strait.
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026
Prosecutors allege that in an attempt to conceal the truth, Smith-Griffin in May 2024 created a fake email address for a real AllHere financial consultant and sent additional false financial and client information to investors.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026
He kicked dirt over the ruined melon to conceal it.
From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
