What does disguise mean?
Disguise refers to anything worn or done to conceal who someone — or what something — really is. As a noun, it names the costume, make-up, or altered appearance used for this purpose, as in 'a false moustache made an effective disguise'. As a verb, it means to change or hide something's appearance so it goes unrecognized, whether literally ('she disguised herself as a waiter') or figuratively ('he disguised his fear with jokes'). The word carries a sense of deliberate concealment, sometimes playful, as at costume parties, and sometimes deceptive or even criminal, as with spies and impostors. Its usefulness lies in spanning both the physical and the psychological: we can disguise our faces, our voices, or our intentions. Related expressions such as 'in disguise', 'wear a disguise', and 'see through a disguise' are firmly established in everyday English across British and American usage.
A costume, make-up, or other alteration of appearance adopted to conceal one's identity.
"Despite her elaborate disguise, the detective recognized her at once."
Often used in the fixed phrase 'in disguise'.
To alter or conceal the appearance of a person or thing so that it cannot be recognized; to hide the true nature of something.
"They disguised the entrance as an ordinary shopfront."
Standard plural form of the noun.
"The actors tried on several disguises before settling on their favourites."
Shakespeare's heroines loved a good disguise — Rosalind, Viola, and Portia all change the plot by changing their clothes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disguise
Disguise entered English from Old French 'desguiser', meaning to alter or change one's dress, formed from the prefix 'des-' (indicating reversal) plus 'guise', meaning style or manner of dress. The root 'guise' ultimately traces back to Germanic origins via French. Cognates include 'guise' itself, still current in English in phrases like 'in the guise of'.
Related word forms
How disguise is actually used
Common in both formal and informal registers. The verb often appears figuratively with emotions or motives ('disguise his anger'). The noun frequently occurs in the phrase 'in disguise'.
Easily confused with disguise
Disgust means strong dislike or revulsion, whereas disguise relates to concealing identity or appearance.