cover–up

noun cov·er–up \ˈkə-vər-ˌəp\

: a planned effort to hide a dishonest, immoral, or illegal act or situation

: an action or a way of behaving that is meant to prevent people from knowing about something

Full Definition of COVER-UP

a : a device or stratagem for masking or concealing <his garrulousness is a cover–up for insecurity>

b : a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public

: a loose outer garment

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1927

Synonyms: blanket, cope, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps

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