First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1disclose
verb dis·close \dis-ˈklōz\
: to make (something) known to the public
Full Definition of DISCLOSE
transitive verb
1
obsolete : to open up
2
a : to expose to view b archaic : hatch c : to make known or public <demands that politicians disclose the sources of their income>
— dis·clos·er noun
See disclose defined for English-language learners
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Origin of DISCLOSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French desclos-, stem of desclore to open, unlock, reveal, from Medieval Latin disclaudere, from Latin dis- + claudere to close — more at close
Related to DISCLOSE
Synonym Discussion of DISCLOSE
reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason <divine will as revealed in sacred writings>. disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret <candidates must disclose their financial assets>. divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence <refused to divulge an anonymous source>. tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information <told them what he had overheard>. betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure <a blush that betrayed her embarrassment>.
Rhymes with DISCLOSE
2disclose
noun
DISCLOSED Defined for Kids
disclose
verb dis·close \dis-ˈklōz\
dis·closeddis·clos·ing
Definition of DISCLOSE for Kids
: to make known : reveal <A friend doesn't disclose secrets.>
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