Mask
/mæsk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA covering for all or part of the face, used for protection, disguise, or decoration.
/mæsk/
She wore a mask to the costume party.
💡 Simply: Imagine a Halloween costume! A mask is like the face of a superhero or a scary monster. It can hide who you are, protect your face, or just be fun to wear. Like a disguise!
👶 For kids: A mask is something you put on your face to hide it, or to make it look different!
More Examples
The construction workers wore protective masks.
The thief hid his face behind a mask.
How It's Used
"Surgeons wear masks to prevent the spread of germs during operations."
"People wear masks during a masquerade ball."
"The robber wore a mask to conceal their identity."
To cover or conceal (something).
/mæskt/
He masked his disappointment with a cheerful attitude.
💡 Simply: Like pretending you're okay when you're not, masking is when you hide something. You might mask your true feelings, your location online, or even a problem with a quick fix.
👶 For kids: To mask is to hide something, like when you play hide-and-seek and cover your eyes!
More Examples
The government masked the truth about the scandal.
The trees masked the view of the house from the road.
How It's Used
"She masked her sadness with a smile."
"The hackers masked their IP addresses to remain anonymous."
Idioms & expressions
behind the mask
Referring to the true feelings, personality, or identity that is hidden from view.
"He was always cheerful, but what was happening behind the mask was a different story."
let one's mask slip
To inadvertently reveal one's true feelings or intentions.
"He tried to remain calm, but his mask slipped when he heard the news."
masking tape
Adhesive tape used for covering surfaces to protect them during painting or other work.
"The painter used masking tape to protect the window frames."
From Middle French masque, from Italian maschera, ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly from Arabic masḵara (مَسْخَرَة, 'buffoon, mockery').
The word 'mask' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to theatrical masks and gradually expanding to include various forms of concealment.
Memory tip
Think of superheroes and villains, always hiding behind a mask.
Word Origin
"buffoon, disguise, mask"