unmask

American  

[uhn-mask, -mahsk] / ʌnˈmæsk, -ˈmɑsk /

verb (used with object)

1. to strip a mask or disguise from.

2. to reveal the true character of; disclose; expose.

3. Military. to reveal the presence of (guns) by firing.

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verb (used without object)

1. to put off one's mask; appear in true nature.

unmask British  

/ ʌnˈmɑːsk /

verb

1. to remove (the mask or disguise) from (someone or oneself)

2. to appear or cause to appear in true character

3. (tr) military to make evident the presence of (weapons), either by firing or by the removal of camouflage, etc

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Other Word Forms

• unmasker noun

Etymology

Origin of unmask

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ² + mask

Example Sentences

“Seeing the carve-out, I was immediately really surprised,” said Bridget Lavender, staff attorney at the State Democracy Research Initiative, the nation’s leading expert on the myriad legal efforts to unmask ICE across the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

They want DHS employees, namely ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers, to unmask and wear clear and visible identification.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

AFP found dozens of posts across social media, in which users shared AI-generated images purporting to "unmask" the agent who shot her.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Other states are also looking at similar measures to unmask federal agents.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2025

In the 1920s, during the Teapot Dome scandal, William had helped unmask the corruption in President Harding’s cabinet.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• bring to light
• expose
• uncover