disguise Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something
camouflage.
- the theatrical notion of disguise is always associated with catastrophe in his stories
noun any attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity
noun the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance
camouflage.
- he is a master of disguise
verb make unrecognizable
mask.
- The herb masks the garlic taste
- We disguised our faces before robbing the bank

OE. desguisen, disgisen, degisen, OF. desguisier, F. déguiser; pref. des- (L. dis-) + guise. See Guise.

imperfect & past participle Disguised ; present participle & verbal noun Disguising

To change the guise or appearance of; especially, to conceal by an unusual dress, or one intended to mislead or deceive.
Bunyan was forced to disguise himself as a wagoner. Macaulay.
To hide by a counterfeit appearance; to cloak by a false show; to mask; as, to disguise anger; to disguise one's sentiments, character, or intentions.
All God's angels come to us disguised. Lowell.
To affect or change by liquor; to intoxicate.
I have just left the right worshipful, and his myrmidons, about a sneaker or five gallons; the whole magistracy was pretty well disguised before I gave them the ship. Spectator.
Syn. -- To conceal; hide; mask; dissemble; dissimulate; feign; pretend; secrete. See Conceal.

A dress or exterior put on for purposes of concealment or of deception; as, persons doing unlawful acts in disguise are subject to heavy penalties.
There is no passion steals into the heart more imperceptibly and covers itself under more disguises, than pride. Addison.
Artificial language or manner assumed for deception; false appearance; counterfeit semblance or show.
That eye which glances through all disguises. D. Webster.
Change of manner by drink; intoxication. Shak.
A masque or masquerade. Obs.
Disguise was the old English word for a masque. B. Jonson.