What does conceal mean?
Conceal is a verb meaning to hide something or keep it secret, whether physically (an object, a person) or figuratively (information, feelings, intentions). It is a deliberate act: to conceal something implies intention and effort, which gives the word a subtle connotation of secrecy that 'hide' does not always carry. In journalism and law, 'concealing information' suggests withholding facts that arguably ought to be known, while in ordinary life we conceal emotions behind smiles or conceal gifts before birthdays. The word derives ultimately from the Latin celare, 'to hide,' making it etymologically kin to 'cell' and 'cellar' — places designed for keeping things out of view. Its noun form is concealment, and its adjective cousin concealing describes things that serve to hide. Useful in both formal writing and everyday speech, 'conceal' is a precise alternative whenever you want to emphasize intent rather than mere absence from sight.
verbTo hide something or someone from view or knowledge; to keep a fact, feeling, or object secret or out of sight.
- To hide or keep something out of sight (a physical object or person).
- To keep information, feelings, or intentions secret; to withhold from knowledge or disclosure.
"She managed to conceal her disappointment behind a warm smile."
"He concealed the documents beneath a loose floorboard before the inspectors arrived."
"Despite her calm exterior, she could not conceal her excitement about the promotion."
"Conceal" and "cell" are cousins: both trace back to Latin celare, "to hide" — so every time you tuck something away in a hidden room, you're speaking ancient hiding language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conceal
Conceal entered English in the late medieval period via Old French conceler, borrowing from Latin concelare, formed from con- ('together') plus celare ('to hide'). The root celare also gives English 'cell' and 'cellar', both originally spaces for storing or hiding things away. The word has remained remarkably stable in form and meaning since its adoption, consistently denoting deliberate hiding.
Related word forms
How conceal is actually used
Conceal is slightly more formal than 'hide' and often carries a hint of deliberateness — suggesting intentional rather than accidental hiding. It is common in legal, journalistic, and everyday contexts alike. The verb takes both a direct object ('conceal the letter') and, less commonly, a reflexive sense of hiding oneself.
Easily confused with conceal
'Cancel' means to call off or invalidate something, while 'conceal' means to hide it; the words share a similar ending but nothing else.
'Seal' can mean to close securely or an official stamp, whereas 'conceal' specifically means to hide something from sight or knowledge.