dis·guise (d s-g z )tr.v. dis·guised, dis·guis·ing, dis·guis·es 1. a. To modify the manner or appearance of in order to prevent recognition. b. To furnish with a disguise. 2. To conceal or obscure by dissemblance or false show; misrepresent: disguise one's true intentions. n.1. a. The act or an instance of disguising. b. The condition of being disguised. 2. Clothes or accessories worn to conceal one's true identity. 3. a. Appearance that misrepresents the true character of something: a blessing in disguise. b. A pretense or misrepresentation: His repeated references to his dangerous hobbies were only a disguise to cover up his insecurity.
[Middle English disguisen, from Old French desguiser : des-, dis- + guise, manner; see guise.]
dis·guis ed·ly (-g z d-l ) adv. dis·guise ment n. dis·guis er n. Synonyms: disguise, camouflage, cloak, dissemble, dissimulate, mask These verbs mean to change or modify so as to conceal the true identity or character of: disguised her interest with nonchalance; trying to camouflage their impatience; cloaked his anxiety with a smile; dissembling ill will with false solicitude; couldn't dissimulate his vanity; ambition that is masked as altruism. |