Conceal
To hide from view or keep secret; to prevent others from discovering or noticing something.
verbConceal
To hide from view or keep secret; to prevent others from discovering or noticing something.
verbImagine This
Imagine a secret diary hidden behind a false panel in a wall; the owner conceals it there so no one else can find or read it.
Sounds Like
kΙn-SEEL
Looks Like
Con + seal; the word visually suggests closing or sealing away something to hide it.
Remember This
Conceal is the verb; its noun form is concealment. It is often contrasted with reveal or disclose.
Other Forms
Connect With
hide, cover, mask, obscure, secrete, camouflage
Note
Do not confuse conceal with concepts like conceive or conceit. Conceal means to hide or withhold information or objects, not to create or boast.
Study Deeper
- She concealed the letter in a hollow book to keep it safe.
- The thief tried to conceal his escape route by erasing footprints.
From Latin celΔre βto hide,β via Old French conceaillir/conceal(er) and Middle English concealen; the basic idea is to push something out of sight or knowledge.
Conceal = con + seal: picture a box that is sealed shut to keep its contents hidden from view.
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Balm
nounA fragrant ointment or preparation used to soothe or heal; something that provides comfort or consolation.
Palliate
verbTo lessen the severity of symptoms or pain, especially without curing the underlying condition; to gloss over or disguise the seriousness of something.
Dilatory
adjectiveCausing delay; tending to delay or hinder action; not prompt.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Obscure
adjectiveNot clear or easily understood; not readily noticed or known; also, to make something unclear or difficult to discern.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.