unmask

[ uhn-mask, -mahsk ]
See synonyms for: unmaskunmaskedunmasking on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to strip a mask or disguise from.

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

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

verb (used without object)
  1. to put off one's mask; appear in true nature.

Origin of unmask

1
First recorded in 1580–90; un-2 + mask

Other words from unmask

  • un·mask·er, noun

Words Nearby unmask

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use unmask in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for unmask

unmask

/ (ʌnˈmɑːsk) /


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

  2. to appear or cause to appear in true character

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

Derived forms of unmask

  • unmasker, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012