disguise
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to change the appearance or guise of so as to conceal identity or mislead, as by means of deceptive garb.
The king was disguised as a peasant.
-
to conceal or cover up the truth or actual character of by a counterfeit form or appearance; misrepresent.
to disguise one's intentions.
noun
-
that which disguises; something that serves or is intended for concealment of identity, character, or quality; a deceptive covering, condition, manner, etc..
Noble words can be the disguise of base intentions.
-
the makeup, mask, costume, or overall changed appearance of an entertainer.
a clown's disguise.
-
the act of disguising.
to speak without disguise.
-
the state of being disguised; masquerade.
The gods appeared in disguise.
verb
-
to modify the appearance or manner in order to conceal the identity of (oneself, someone, or something)
-
(tr) to misrepresent in order to obscure the actual nature or meaning
to disguise the facts
noun
-
a mask, costume, or manner that disguises
-
the act of disguising or the state of being disguised
Other Word Forms
- disguisable adjective
- disguised adjective
- disguisedly adverb
- disguisedness noun
- disguisement noun
- disguiser noun
- nondisguised adjective
- predisguise noun
- undisguisable adjective
- undisguised adjective
- undisguisedly adverb
- well-disguised adjective
Etymology
Origin of disguise
1275–1325; Middle English disg ( u ) isen < Anglo-French, Old French de ( s ) guiser, equivalent to des- dis- 1 + -guiser, derivative of guise guise
Explanation
A disguise is something you put on so no one recognizes you. It also can be used as a verb. You can disguise yourself with a wig and mustache; that's a great disguise. Disguise can be used anytime you're talking about concealing or hiding something. Most of the time we think of a disguise as something you wear, but you can also disguise your feelings. Criminals might disguise their intentions. You can also use the word to describe something that seems to be one thing, but turns out to be another. You missed the plane, but then the plane crashed. That's a blessing in disguise.
Vocabulary lists containing disguise
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Legend
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
creation myths
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
He said Ortiz, who was arrested in a vehicle with a rifle, ammunition and a disguise -- a wig -- had behaved in a manner that was "extremely dangerous."
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
This loaf is less spaghetti night, more steak dinner in disguise.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026
The play will be "a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen", and will reach the stage in early 2027, the announcement said.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
Iran has established front companies in the U.A.E. to receive payments for oil, settle trades and disguise the origin of funds, according to the Treasury and analysts tracking Tehran’s activities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
His disguise would be sufficient to fool the defenders from the distance of the high walls.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
