First Known Use: 1534
Dictionary
1mask
noun \ˈmask\
Definition of MASK
1
a (1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise (2) : a person wearing a mask : masker b (1) : a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice (2) : a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals c : an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone) d : a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold
2
a : something that serves to conceal or disguise : pretense, cloak <aware of the masks, facades and defenses people erect to protect themselves — Kenneth Keniston> b : something that conceals from view c : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph d : a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)
3
a : a protective covering for the face b : gas mask c : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalation d : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infective material e : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
4
a : the head or face of an animal (as a fox or dog) b : an area (as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring
See mask defined for English-language learners
See mask defined for kids
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Origin of MASK
Middle French masque, from Old Italian maschera
Related to MASK
- Synonyms
- vizard
2mask
verb
: to hide (something) from sight
: to keep (something) from being known or noticed
Full Definition of MASK
intransitive verb
1
: to take part in a masquerade
2
a : to assume a mask b : to disguise one's true character or intentions
transitive verb
1
: to provide or conceal with a mask: as a : to conceal from view <mask a gun battery> b : to make indistinct or imperceptible <masks undesirable flavors> c : to cover up <masked his real purpose>
2
: to cover for protection
3
: to modify the size or shape of (as a photograph) by means of an opaque border
— mask·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See mask defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MASK
circa 1562
Related to MASK
- Synonyms
- camouflage, cloak, dress up, disguise
- Antonyms
- unmask
Synonym Discussion of MASK
disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity <disguised herself as a peasant>. cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention <cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy>. mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something <smiling to mask his discontent>.
MASK Defined for Kids
1mask
noun \ˈmask\
Definition of MASK for Kids
1
: a cover for the face or part of the face used for disguise or protection <a Halloween mask> <a catcher's mask>
2
: something that disguises or conceals <She visited under a mask of friendship.>
2mask
verb
maskedmask·ing
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