cover-up

[kuhv-er-uhp]

noun

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

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

cover-up

noun

1. concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc

verb

1. (tr) to cover completely

2. to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime)

   she tried to cover up for her friend

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cover-up¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

For years, his perversions have been an obsession among those, mainly on the right, who believe a “deep state” cover-up has protected the rich and powerful who partnered with women procured by Epstein.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A hit-and-run driver who struck and seriously hurt a road worker after a 130mph police chase tried to blame his ex-partner in a bungled cover-up before being caught out by a Ring doorbell.

Read more on BBC

Bondi responded by citing the department's previous finding that there was no evidence of conspiracy or a cover-up surrounding the investigation.

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The messaging became "vitriolic", with Mrs Spragg contacting police investigators, and saying: "Everyone knows the McCanns are guilty and you know the truth and a massive cover-up is happening."

Read more on BBC

Gray cooperated with Nixon to stymie the FBI’s investigation of the 1972 Watergate break-in and the ensuing cover-up.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• complicity 
• conspiracy 
• evasion