dissemble
UK: dɪˈsɛmb(ə)l | US: dɪˈsɛmbəl
vt. to conceal one's true motives or feelings under a false appearance
vt. to disguise or misrepresent the nature of something
vi. to pretend or feign ignorance
The word "dissemble" originates from the Latin dissimulare (to disguise or conceal), which evolved into Old French dessembler (to be different). The English form combines the prefix dis- (indicating reversal or negation) with semble (from Latin simulare, meaning "to appear or imitate"). The morpheme semble is also seen in "assemble" (to gather together) and "resemble" (to look like). Over time, "dissemble" narrowed to specifically mean hiding truth through deception, reflecting its Latin roots in concealment.
She dissembled her anger with a polite smile.
Politicians often dissemble to avoid answering difficult questions.
He dissembled his intentions by acting indifferent.
The spy dissembled his identity to blend into the crowd.
It’s hard to trust someone who constantly dissembles.