disguise
dihs-GYZ
Disguise (noun) means Clothing, makeup, or other means used to hide one's identity or look like someone else. Example: “He wore a wig and glasses as a disguise.”
noun
1
Clothing, makeup, or other means used to hide one's identity or look like someone else.
"He wore a wig and glasses as a disguise."
"The children made a quick disguise from a paper moustache and a hat."
"Her disguise was so good that even her sister did not recognise her."
verb
1
To change how someone or something looks in order to hide their true identity.
"She disguised herself as a waiter to sneak backstage."
"The company disguised the layoffs as "restructuring.""
"He disguised his voice on the phone so nobody would know who was calling."
How to use disguise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hide what something really is by changing its outward appearance.
Common pairings
in disguise
a disguise for
thinly disguised
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Word forms
- Plural
- disguises
- Third person singular
- disguises
- Past tense
- disguised
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He wore a wig and glasses as a _____.
Etymology
From Old French desguiser, built from des- ("dis-") plus guise ("manner, appearance") — literally to change one's "guise" or outward manner.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for disguise
See all rhymes for disguise →Frequently asked questions
What does “disguise” mean?
The word “disguise” means clothing, makeup, or other means used to hide one's identity or look like someone else. In plain terms, to hide what something really is by changing its outward appearance.
How do you pronounce “disguise”?
“Disguise” is pronounced dihs-GYZ (/dɪsˈɡaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “disguise” in a sentence?
Here is “disguise” used in a sentence: “He wore a wig and glasses as a disguise.”
What is another word for “disguise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “disguise” include camouflage, mask, guise, pretense, garb and cloak.
What part of speech is “disguise”?
Depending on how it is used, “disguise” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “disguise” come from?
The word “disguise” comes from Old French. From Old French desguiser, built from des- ("dis-") plus guise ("manner, appearance") — literally to change one's "guise" or outward manner.
Is “disguise” a common word?
“Disguise” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “disguise” have?
“Disguise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clothing, makeup, or other means used to hide one's identity or look like someone else.
What is the difference between disguise and costume?
A disguise is specifically meant to hide someone's true identity or make them look like someone else, often to avoid recognition. A costume is worn for performance, celebration, or entertainment, such as at a party, and does not always aim to conceal identity.
What is the difference between disguise and camouflage?
Disguise typically refers to altering a person's appearance to hide their identity, using items like wigs, makeup, or clothing. Camouflage more often refers to blending into surroundings to avoid detection, a technique used in nature and military contexts as well as by people.
Can disguise be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, as a noun disguise refers to the clothing, makeup, or other means used to hide identity, as in 'he wore a disguise.' As a verb it means to change how someone or something looks to hide their true identity, as in 'she disguised herself as a guard.'
