disguise

1 of 2

verb

dis·​guise də-ˈskīz How to pronounce disguise (audio)
dis-ˈgīz,
 also  diz-
disguised; disguising

transitive verb

1
a
: to change the customary dress (see dress entry 2 sense 1) or appearance of
disguised herself in a wig and glasses
b
: to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed (see assume sense 3) identity
disguised as a beggar
2
obsolete : disfigure
3
: to obscure the existence or true state or character of : conceal
unable to disguise his true feelings
disguisedly
də-ˈskīz(-ə)d-lē How to pronounce disguise (audio)
dis-ˈgīz(-ə)d-
 also  diz-
adverb
disguisement
də-ˈskīz-mənt How to pronounce disguise (audio)
dis-ˈgīz-
 also  diz-
noun
disguiser noun

disguise

2 of 2

noun

1
: apparel assumed to conceal one's identity or counterfeit another's
The bank robber was wearing a disguise.
2
: the act of disguising
3
a
: form misrepresenting the true nature of something
blessings in disguise
b
: an artificial manner : pretense
threw off all disguise
Choose the Right Synonym for disguise

disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature.

disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

Examples of disguise in a Sentence

Verb He tried to disguise his voice on the phone but I could tell it was him. She disguised herself in a wig and glasses. We disguised the fact that we were disappointed. Noun He wore a disguise of glasses, a fake mustache, and a cap. The famous thief is known to be a master of disguise.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Since May, Group-IB analysts have identified several fake mobile applications that have been disguised as trading platforms on the Google Play and Apple App Store, and used as part of the global scheme. Morning Brew, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024 Her first grade class exchanged handfuls of candy all disguised in special pink and red designs. Natallie Rocha, The Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
Using disguises and fake passports to carry off his latest hit, the cold-blooded Jackal (Redmayne) sparks a massive police operation across Europe to find him. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 The contestants then embark on dates in these disguises, making for hilariously awkward and surprisingly genuine interactions. Jane Lacroix, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disguise 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disguise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English disgisen, from Anglo-French desguiser, deguiser, from des- dis- + guise guise

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disguise was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near disguise

Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disguise. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

disguise

1 of 2 verb
dis·​guise dis-ˈgīz How to pronounce disguise (audio)
disguised; disguising
1
: to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal identity
spies disguised as tourists
2
: to keep from showing the existence or true character of : hide
disguised their true feelings
tried to disguise her voice
disguisedly adverb
disguiser noun

disguise

2 of 2 noun
1
: clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate another's
2
: an outward appearance that hides what something really is
a blessing in disguise

More from Merriam-Webster on disguise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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