cover-up

[ kuhv-er-uhp ]

/ ˈkʌv ərˌʌp /

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See synonyms for cover-up on Thesaurus.com

noun

any action, stratagem, or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.

Also cov·er·up . any of various women's garments, as loose blouses, jump suits, caftans, or sarongs, worn over a swimsuit, exercise clothing, or the like.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of cover-up

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase cover up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cover-up in a sentence

He turned a young girl into a hooker—and then enlisted his mother to cover up the evidence.
The Navy ‘Hero’ Who Pimped an HIV-Positive Teen|M.L. Nestel|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was old, frail and handcuffed; 20 minutes later they had a crime to cover up.
A Million Ways to Die in Prison|Daniel Genis|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But, as is often the case, what may be equally as damning as the crime will be the cover-up.
The Castration of Alan Turing, Britain’s Code-Breaking WWII Hero|Clive Irving|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He's never dyed it, and he doesn't wear make-up in his films, unless he has a zit to cover up.
Clooney: A Constant Charmer at the Altar|Tim Teeman|September 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Women have long been told to cover up their sexy parts, as the world ogles them, sometimes to aggressive extremes.
Women, It's Time to Reclaim Our Breasts|Emily Shire|September 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There were infinite possibilities for "the greaser" to pocket a goodly share of the profits, and "cover up his tracks."
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Wildly and vainly did he strive even then to cover up the foolish thing that he had done.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
An untruth is passed over carelessly and the child allowed to cover up its sins without realizing their sinfulness.
The value of a praying mother|Isabel C. Byrum
"It makes me think of spectres and shrieking ghosts," said Robbie, as he drew the cover up closer, and cuddled down by Clifford.
A Fortune Hunter; Or, The Old Stone Corral|John Dunloe Carteret
But the minute he heard her comin'—and he could hear her a mile—he'd cover up his knowledge again.
A Yankee from the West|Opie Read

British Dictionary definitions for cover-up

cover-up

noun

concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc

verb cover up (adverb)

(tr) to cover completely

(when intr, often foll by for) to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime)she tried to cover up for her friend

(intr) boxing to defend the body and head with the arms

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with cover-up

cover up

Wrap up or enfold in order to protect. For example, Be sure to cover up the outdoor furniture in case of rain, or It's cold, so be sure to cover up the baby. [Late 1800s]

Conceal something, especially a crime, as in The opposition accused the President of covering up his assistant's suicide. [c. 1920]

cover-up

Origin of cover-up

Words related to cover-up

How to use cover-up in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for cover-up

Other Idioms and Phrases with cover-up