hiding
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for hiding, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of being concealed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hiding
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
go into hiding
take a hiding
The "beating/defeat" sense is informal, common in British English sports talk.
Etymology
Related to "hide" (Old English "hydan"); the "beating" sense likely comes from the older meaning of whipping someone with a strip of animal hide.
Full origin of hiding →Frequently asked questions
What does “hiding” mean?
The word “hiding” means the state of being concealed. In plain terms, either being concealed from view, or, informally, a thrashing or crushing defeat.
How do you pronounce “hiding”?
“Hiding” is pronounced HEYE-dihng (/ˈhaɪdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hiding” in a sentence?
Here is “hiding” used in a sentence: “The suspect has been in hiding for weeks.”
What part of speech is “hiding”?
“Hiding” is a noun.
Where does the word “hiding” come from?
The word “hiding” comes from Old English. Related to "hide" (Old English "hydan"); the "beating" sense likely comes from the older meaning of whipping someone with a strip of animal hide.
Is “hiding” a common word?
“Hiding” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hiding” have?
“Hiding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being concealed.
What is the difference between "in hiding" and "hiding"?
"In hiding" describes staying concealed to avoid being found, as when a fugitive is in hiding from the authorities. Plain "hiding" as a noun can mean the general state of being concealed, or, informally, a beating or heavy defeat.
Is "hiding" formal or informal when it means a beating?
The sense of "hiding" meaning a beating or heavy defeat is informal and colloquial, common in speech and casual writing. In formal contexts you would use words like "defeat," "thrashing," or "punishment" instead.
