Conceal

/kənˈsiːl/

verbIntermediateCommonAcademic

Definitions

1

To hide, cover, or keep something secret from sight or knowledge.

/kənˈsiːl/

verbneutralIntermediate
Academic

To hide or keep something secret.

She tried to conceal her feelings.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a super cool surprise, like a new video game. When you 'conceal' it, you hide it until you're ready to show it off. You're keeping it a secret!

👶 For kids: To hide something so nobody can see it.

More Examples

2

The spy concealed the documents in a secret compartment.

3

The dense fog concealed the mountains.

How It's Used

General

"He tried to conceal his disappointment."

Legal

"The suspect attempted to conceal the evidence."

Idioms & expressions

conceal one's identity

To hide who you are.

"The witness concealed their identity to protect themselves."

From Middle French *conceeler*, from Latin *concelare* 'to hide', from *con-* (intensive prefix) + *celare* 'to hide'.

The word 'conceal' has been used since the late 14th century in various forms of English literature, often in legal and religious contexts.

Memory tip

Think of a 'seal' that hides things. To 'con-' (together) with a seal hides things.

conseelconceil

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written