noun
smokescreen
SMOHK-skreen
noun
1
A cloud of smoke used to hide troops or movement.
"The soldiers advanced behind a smokescreen."
2
Something used to distract from or conceal the truth.
"His apology was just a smokescreen to avoid real accountability."
How to Use Smokescreen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally smoke used to hide something, or figuratively any distraction meant to conceal the truth.
Common pairings
put up a smokescreen
a smokescreen for
Word Forms
smokescreens plural
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The soldiers advanced behind a _____.
Etymology
From smoke plus screen.