disguise
UK: dɪsˈɡaɪz | US: dɪsˈɡaɪz
n. a means of altering one's appearance to conceal identity
vt. to alter appearance or behavior to conceal identity or truth
disguise = dis<away, opposite> + guise<appearance, manner>
- dis: Prefix meaning "away" or "opposite," from Latin dis-.
- guise: Root meaning "appearance" or "manner," from Old French guise (style, fashion), ultimately from Germanic wīsōn (to show, direct).
Etymology Origin:
The word "disguise" originated in Middle English (14th century) from Old French desguiser (to change one's appearance), combining des- (dis-, away) + guise (appearance). The term reflects the idea of "diverging from one’s usual appearance" to deceive or hide. Over time, it broadened to include behavioral concealment (e.g., disguising emotions).
She wore a wig and glasses as a disguise to avoid recognition.
The spy disguised himself as a waiter to gather information.
His cheerful tone disguised his true feelings of disappointment.
The thief used a fake mustache as a poor disguise.
The software can disguise malicious code within harmless files.