Disguise Meaning
/dɪsˈɡaɪz/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounMaterial (such as clothing, makeup, a wig) used to alter one’s visual appearance in order to hide one's identity or assume another.
nounThe appearance of something on the outside which masks what’s beneath.
Sentence Examples
I'm planning to disguise myself as a doctor.
Although Bob was in disguise, I recognized him at a glance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The spy wore a bushy beard and wig as a clever ____ to sneak into the embassy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I'm planning to ____ myself as a doctor.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English disgisen, disguisen, borrowed from Old French desguiser (modern French déguiser), itself derived from des- (“dis-”) (from Latin dis-) + guise (“guise”) (from a Germanic source).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Bunyan was forced to disguise himself as a wagoner."
— 1911, Thomas Babington Macaulay, “Bunyan, John”, in 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica:
"The official Central News agency said a Nationalist patrol boat Dec. 28 captured six Communist spies disguised as fishermen as they approached within 1,000 yards of the Paichuan in a motorized fishing craft. They were taken to Matsu for questioning."
— 1955 December 31, “Chiang Says Time Near For Mainland Uprising”, in The Christian Science Monitor, Atlantic edition, volume 48, number 31, Boston, sourced from Associated Press, Taipei, Formosa, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 4, column 5:
"I have just left the right worshipful, and his myrmidons, about a sneaker or five gallons; the whole magistracy was pretty well disguised before I gave them the slip."
— 1714 November 15 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison], “THURSDAY, November 5, 1714”, in The Spectator, number 616; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume VI, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC:
"But my lord was angry, and being disguised with liquor too, he would not let him go till they played more; and play they did, and the luck still went the same way; […]"
— 1863, Sheridan Le Fanu, The House by the Churchyard:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The spy wore a bushy beard and wig as a clever ____ to sneak into the embassy.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I'm planning to ____ myself as a doctor.