cover-up

American  

[kuhv-er-uhp] / ˈkʌv ərˌʌp /

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.

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cover-up British  

noun

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

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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

cover up Idioms  

1. 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]

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

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Etymology

Origin of cover-up

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

Example Sentences

"So much of my dad's story and how he got away was cover-up and deception, but I want to fly in the face of that and bring things into the light."

From BBC

At the time, Phillips denied claims of a cover-up and insisted the government was "committed to exposing the failures".

From BBC

The move just before the start of a scheduled trial prompted speculation and accusations of a cover-up.

From Barron's

That she has resigned and is under arrest proves that the cover-up is worse than the alleged crime.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both were set up in 2012 following revelations of a widespread cover-up in which police leaders were found to have spread false narratives blaming Liverpool fans and withheld evidence of their own failings.

From BBC

Related Words

• complicity
• conspiracy
• evasion