conceal

verb con·ceal \kən-ˈsēl\

: to hide (something or someone) from sight

: to keep (something) secret

Full Definition of CONCEAL

transitive verb

: to prevent disclosure or recognition of <conceal the truth>

: to place out of sight <concealed himself behind the door>

— con·ceal·able \-ˈsē-lə-bəl\ adjective

— con·ceal·ing·ly \-ˈsē-liŋ-lē\ adverb

— con·ceal·ment \-ˈsēl-mənt\ noun

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Origin of CONCEAL

Middle English concelen, from Anglo-French conceler, from Latin concelare, from com- + celare to hide — more at hell

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONCEAL

Synonyms: bury, cache, ¹hide, ensconce, secrete

Antonyms: display, exhibit

Synonym Discussion of CONCEAL

hide, conceal, screen, secrete, bury mean to withhold or withdraw from sight. hide may or may not suggest intent <hide in the closet> <a house hidden in the woods>. conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge <concealed the weapon>. screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery <a house screened by trees>. secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others <secreted the amulet inside his shirt>. bury implies covering up so as to hide completely <buried the treasure>.