cover-up

[ kuhv-er-uhp ]

noun

1. any action, stratagem, or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.
2. 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.

cover-up

noun

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

verb

1. tr to cover completely
2. whenintr, often foll by for 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

Example Sentences

He turned a young girl into a hooker—and then enlisted his mother to cover up the evidence.

From The Daily Beast

He was old, frail and handcuffed; 20 minutes later they had a crime to cover up.

From The Daily Beast

But, as is often the case, what may be equally as damning as the crime will be the cover-up.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

Women have long been told to cover up their sexy parts, as the world ogles them, sometimes to aggressive extremes.

From The Daily Beast

There were infinite possibilities for "the greaser" to pocket a goodly share of the profits, and "cover up his tracks."

From Project Gutenberg

Wildly and vainly did he strive even then to cover up the foolish thing that he had done.

From Project Gutenberg

An untruth is passed over carelessly and the child allowed to cover up its sins without realizing their sinfulness.

From Project Gutenberg

"It makes me think of spectres and shrieking ghosts," said Robbie, as he drew the cover up closer, and cuddled down by Clifford.

From Project Gutenberg

But the minute he heard her comin'—and he could hear her a mile—he'd cover up his knowledge again.

From Project Gutenberg