masked

American  

[maskt, mahskt] / mæskt, mɑskt /

adjective

1. using or wearing a mask or masks.

   a masked burglar; masked actors.

2. disguised; concealed; hidden.

   masked treachery; masked forces.

3. Botany. personate.

4. Zoology. having markings that resemble a mask.

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masked British  

/ mɑːskt /

adjective

1. disguised or covered by or as if by a mask

2. botany another word for personate 2

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Other Word Forms

• unmasked adjective
• well-masked adjective

Etymology

Origin of masked

First recorded in 1575–85; mask + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Some of that has so far been masked by lifting sanctions and releases from strategic reserves.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

"It may well be that those were masked by other molecules in the study," Niemann says.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

We’ve all seen the appalling videos of masked agents ambushing and abducting these migrants in the halls of New York’s immigration court as they’re leaving a hearing.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

The origin of the crude is often masked by brokers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

In the light of the full moon, the shock and hurt on her masked face hit me like a blow to the chest.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir