conceal

/kənˈsiːl/
to hide

She tried to conceal the surprise.

She attempted to keep the surprise hidden.

◆ What It Really Means
to keep information, feelings, or objects hidden from view or knowledge
Literal Meaning
to put something together and hide it
Literal Breakdown
con-together+cealto hide
◇ Mental Image
Picture a curtain being drawn tightly over an object, making it invisible.
◈ When to Use
During a surprise party, the organizer conceals the decorations behind a large sheet until the guest arrives.
◉ Cultural Note
The verb has a long literary tradition, appearing in classic English literature to describe secretive actions.
formal

to keep something secret or out of sight

The spy was trained to conceal his identity.

The spy learned how to keep his true identity hidden.

Usually a transitive verb; often followed by the object being hidden.

Collocations

conceal evidenceto hide proof that might incriminate someoneconceal emotionsto hide one's feelingsconceal a weaponto keep a weapon out of view

Antonyms

Related Phrases

conceal oneselfphrase
to hide one's presence
conceal a weaponphrase
to keep a weapon out of sight

Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal

Use *conceal* in written or formal speech; in casual conversation, *hide* is more natural.

Gold Rule

Transitivity

*Conceal* is normally transitive – you conceal something, not *conceal* by itself.

Word Origin

From Middle English *conceilen*, from Old French *conceillir*, from Latin *concelare* (prefix *con-* ‘together’ + *celare* ‘to hide’).

Usage Notes

Often used in formal or literary contexts; common collocations include *conceal the truth*, *conceal a fact*, *conceal oneself*. The verb is typically followed by a direct object.

Word Breakdown

con-
together, intensifying
prefix
+
ceal
to hide (from Latin *celare*)
root
English Dictionary
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