disguise

/dɪsˈɡaɪz/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: disguises · disguising

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Material (such as clothing, makeup, a wig) used to alter one’s visual appearance in order to hide one's identity or assume another.

Noun

Examples

A cape and moustache completed his disguise.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The appearance of something on the outside which masks what’s beneath.

Noun

Examples

old ideas in a new guise

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To change the appearance of (a person or thing) so as to hide, or to assume an identity.

Verb

Examples

Spies often disguise themselves.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To avoid giving away or revealing (something secret); to hide by a false appearance.

Verb

Examples

He disguised his true intentions.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “disguise” mean?

Material (such as clothing, makeup, a wig) used to alter one’s visual appearance in order to hide one's identity or assume another.

Is “disguise” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.