camouflage
UK: ˈkæməflɑːʒ | US: ˈkæməˌflɑːʒ
n. the act of concealing something by making it appear part of its surroundings
vt. to hide or disguise something by blending it into its environment
camouflage = camouf<deceive> + lage<noun suffix>
- camouf (from Italian camuffare "to disguise" or French camoufler "to conceal")
- lage (a French noun-forming suffix, derived from -age indicating an action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word camouflage entered English during World War I from French military slang, where camoufler meant "to conceal." Its roots trace back to Italian camuffare (to deceive), possibly influenced by capo muffare ("to muffle the head"). The suffix -age (from Latin -aticum) was added to form a noun denoting the act or result of disguising. The term evolved from theatrical trickery to military strategy, reflecting its logic of visual deception.
The soldier used leaves and mud for camouflage in the forest.
Chameleons change color as a natural camouflage.
The artist painted the bunker to camouflage it as a hillside.
Some insects mimic twigs for camouflage from predators.
Modern military uniforms incorporate digital camouflage patterns.