Disguised: meaning, definitions and examples

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disguised

 

[ dɪsˈɡaɪzd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

in appearance or behavior

Having a different appearance or behavior from what is expected, in order to conceal one's true identity or intentions.

Synonyms

camouflaged, concealed, hidden, masked.

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Word Description / Examples
disguised

Used when someone changes their appearance or identity to avoid being recognized.

  • He disguised himself as a janitor to sneak into the building
camouflaged

Refers to blending in with the surroundings, often used in military or nature contexts.

  • The soldiers were camouflaged in their green and brown uniforms
masked

Can refer to hiding facial features or intentions, often related to deception or protection.

  • She masked her true feelings with a smile
hidden

Used in general contexts where something is out of view or not easily found.

  • The treasure was hidden in a secret cave
concealed

Implies something is hidden from sight, often on purpose for privacy or secrecy.

  • The weapon was concealed under his coat

Examples of usage

  • He was disguised in a wig and glasses.
  • She disguised her true feelings with a smile.
  • The spy disguised himself as a waiter to gather information.
  • They disguised their voices to avoid recognition.
  • The criminal disguised his handwriting to avoid detection.
Context #2 | Verb

to change the appearance or nature

To change the appearance or nature of someone or something in order to conceal or deceive.

Synonyms

camouflage, cloak, conceal, mask.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disguised

Used when someone or something is intentionally made to look like something else to avoid detection or to deceive.

  • She was disguised as a nurse to access the restricted area.
  • The spy was disguised in civilian clothes to blend into the crowd.
camouflage

Used primarily in military or nature contexts to describe something that is hidden by blending it into its surroundings.

  • The soldiers used branches and leaves for camouflage.
  • The chameleon can easily camouflage itself among the foliage.
mask

Used when hiding one's emotions, intentions, or reality behind a different appearance or behavior.

  • He wore a mask of confidence despite his fear.
  • The thief masked his identity with a ski mask.
cloak

Used metaphorically to describe something that is hidden or obscured, often giving an impression of secrecy or mystery.

  • The organization operated under a cloak of secrecy.
  • His true intentions were cloaked in mystery.
conceal

Used when referring to hiding something physically or keeping information from being known.

  • She tried to conceal her nervousness during the interview.
  • He concealed the gift behind his back.

Examples of usage

  • He disguised himself as a woman to escape from the authorities.
  • She disguised her accent to fit in with the locals.
  • The artist disguised her signature to see if people could recognize her work.
  • They disguised the truth to protect their friend.
  • The magician disguised the card's true identity with a clever trick.

Translations

Translations of the word "disguised" in other languages:

🇵🇹 disfarçado

🇮🇳 छिपा हुआ (Chhipa Hua)

🇩🇪 verkleidet

🇮🇩 menyamar

🇺🇦 замаскований

🇵🇱 przebrany

🇯🇵 変装した (Hensō shita)

🇫🇷 déguisé

🇪🇸 disfrazado

🇹🇷 kılık değiştirmiş

🇰🇷 변장한 (Byeonjanghan)

🇸🇦 متنكر (Mutanakir)

🇨🇿 přestrojený

🇸🇰 preoblečený

🇨🇳 伪装的 (Wěizhuāng de)

🇸🇮 preoblečen

🇮🇸 dulbúinn

🇰🇿 жасырынған (Zhasyryngan)

🇬🇪 შენიღბული (Shenighbuli)

🇦🇿 maskalanmış

🇲🇽 disfrazado

Etymology

The word 'disguised' originates from the Middle English word 'disguisen', which means 'to change one's appearance'. It has been used since the 14th century to refer to altering one's appearance or behavior for deceptive purposes. The concept of disguise has been prevalent in literature, theater, and espionage throughout history, showcasing its importance in various aspects of human interaction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,413, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.