Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

conceal

American  
[kuhn-seel] / kənˈsil /

verb (used with object)

  1. to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight.

    He concealed the gun under his coat.

  2. to keep secret; to prevent or avoid disclosing or divulging.

    to conceal one's identity by using a false name.


conceal British  
/ kənˈsiːl /

verb

  1. to keep from discovery; hide

  2. to keep secret

"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

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.

A growing number of tankers transporting Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil are using a variety of methods to conceal their identities and contravene Western sanctions.

From BBC

"Lizards, skinks and dragons were secured in calico bags. These bags were concealed in bags of popcorn, biscuit tins and a women's handbag and placed inside cardboard boxes," the statement said.

From Barron's

"The attention this case has generated is unprecedented," he said, "and while a mask can conceal a face it can't conceal a person."

From BBC

The structure and motion of these features point to possible gravitational effects from one or more unseen companion stars, which remain concealed within the dense disk of dust.

From Science Daily

It involved transferring a heavy iron bolt, concealed inside an oversize Bible, from Casanova to his upstairs neighbor, who could then chip a hole in the wooden floor.

From The Wall Street Journal