disguise
diss-GYZE
/dɪsˈɡaɪz/
To alter appearance or behavior to conceal identity; or clothes worn to hide one's true identity.
Focuses on intentional deception or transformation, whether for protection, espionage, or holiday fun.
The story behind the word. Formed in Old French by combining the prefix 'des-' (expressing reversal) with 'guise' (way, fashion, or appearance). Thus, 'desguiser' literally meant to shift someone out of their habitual appearance or mode of dress.
Word relationships
- camouflage: Camouflage relies on matching background colors/textures, while disguise relies on altering personal features or clothing.
- costume: A costume is worn for performance or celebration without necessarily intending to fool anyone; a disguise explicitly aims to conceal true identity.
- reveal: To reveal means to make identity or truth known, ending a disguise.
- unmask: To unmask is to strip away a physical mask or deceptive disguise.
Commonly confused with
- costume: A costume is worn for play or theater; a disguise is specifically meant to hide identity.
Word family
- disguised (adjective): Wearing a disguise; concealed.
- undisguised (adjective): Open and unconcealed.
Collocations
- in disguise
- clever disguise
- disguise one's voice
Idioms & expressions
- blessing in disguise
Example sentences
- "She wore a clever disguise consisting of a dark cloak and a silver mask to avoid being recognized at the party." Halloween Celebration
- "The investigator entered the club in disguise, pretending to be an eccentric art collector." Detective Fiction
Memory hook
DIS-GUISE: DIS-connect your true identity by altering your GUISE (appearance). Change appearance to hide identity.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'camouflage', which specifically refers to blending in with natural surroundings.
Fun facts
- In Shakespeare's plays, over 20 characters adopt a disguise to advance the plot.
- The phrase 'blessing in disguise' first appeared in a 1746 hymn by James Hervey.
Related words
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