Conceal vs. Disguise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Conceal involves hiding something completely, whereas disguise involves altering appearance to mislead about the true nature.
Difference Between Conceal and Disguise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conceal is the act of keeping something completely out of sight or hidden from view, often to protect or withhold information. On the other hand, disguise means altering the appearance of someone or something so it appears different, usually to deceive.
When you conceal, the objective is generally to ensure that the item or information is not seen or found. Whereas, disguise focuses not just on hiding but also on creating a false appearance to mislead observers about the true identity or nature of what is disguised.
Concealing is often used in contexts where secrecy or privacy is required, such as concealing a document or one's emotions. In contrast, disguise is used in scenarios like espionage or theatrical performances, where the change of appearance is crucial.
Techniques of concealment include using covers, barriers, or burying. Disguise, however, may involve costumes, makeup, or other physical alterations.
While concealment is purely about invisibility, disguise involves an element of creativity and transformation, aiming not just to hide but also to impersonate or simulate something else.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Hiding something from view.
Altering appearance to deceive.
Primary Purpose
To keep something hidden.
To mislead about true nature.
Usage in Context
Secrecy or privacy.
Espionage, entertainment.
Techniques
Covers, barriers, burying.
Costumes, makeup, alterations.
Outcome
Invisible or undetectable.
Appears as something else.
Compare with Definitions
Conceal
To hide something deliberately from view.
She used a curtain to conceal the broken window.
Disguise
To make something unrecognizable by altering its form or appearance.
The artist disguised his message in abstract symbols.
Conceal
To keep something secret from others.
He tried to conceal his disappointment from his friends.
Disguise
To change the usual appearance, sound, taste, etc., to prevent recognition.
He wore a disguise to the costume party.
Conceal
To cover or shield from exposure.
She used makeup to conceal her scars.
Disguise
To use a false appearance as a means of deception.
The thief used a disguise to evade the police.
Conceal
To prevent something from being known or noticed.
The spy used a fake identity to conceal his true mission.
Disguise
To hide something by changing its usual appearance.
She disguised the medicine's taste with sugar.
Conceal
To withhold knowledge of something.
The document was sealed to conceal its contents.
Disguise
To alter one's appearance to conceal their identity.
The celebrity disguised herself with a hat and sunglasses.
Conceal
To keep from being observed or discovered; hide. ]
Disguise
A disguise can be anything which conceals or changes a person's physical appearance, including a wig, glasses, makeup, fake moustache, costume or other items. Camouflage is a type of disguise for people, animals and objects.
Conceal
(transitive) To hide something from view or from public knowledge, to try to keep something secret.
He tried to conceal the truth about his health.
Disguise
To modify the manner or appearance of (a person, for example) in order to prevent recognition
Disguised himself as a guard and escaped.
Conceal
To hide or withdraw from observation; to cover; to cover or keep from sight; to prevent the discovery of; to withhold knowledge of.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.
Declare ye among the nations, . . . publish and conceal not.
He which finds him shall deserve our thanks, . . . He that conceals him, death.
Bur double griefs afflict concealing hearts.
Both dissemble deeply their affections.
We have in these words a primary sense, which reveals a future state, and a secondary sense, which hides and secretes it.
Disguise
To make indistinct or difficult to perceive
Disguised the bad taste of the medicine with lemon syrup.
Conceal
Prevent from being seen or discovered;
Muslim women hide their faces
Hide the money
Disguise
To conceal or obscure by dissemblance or false show; misrepresent
Disguise one's true intentions.
Conceal
Hold back; keep from being perceived by others;
She conceals her anger well
Disguise
Clothes or accessories worn to conceal one's true identity.
Disguise
Appearance that misrepresents the true character of something
A blessing in disguise.
Disguise
A pretense or misrepresentation
His repeated references to his dangerous hobbies were only a disguise to cover up his insecurity.
Disguise
Material (such as clothing, makeup, a wig) used to alter one’s visual appearance in order to hide one's identity or assume another.
A cape and moustache completed his disguise.
Disguise
(figuratively) The appearance of something on the outside which masks what’s beneath.
Disguise
The act or state of disguising, notably as a ploy.
Any disguise may expose soldiers to be deemed enemy spies.
Disguise
(archaic) A change of behaviour resulting from intoxication, drunkenness.
Disguise
(transitive) To change the appearance of (a person or thing) so as to hide, or to assume an identity.
Spies often disguise themselves.
Disguise
To transform or disfigure, to change the appearance of in general.
Disguise
(transitive) To avoid giving away or revealing (something secret); to hide by a false appearance.
He disguised his true intentions.
Disguise
To dress in newfangled or showy clothing, to deck out in new fashions.
Disguise
To dissemble, to talk or act falsely while concealing one’s thoughts.
Disguise
To affect or change by liquor; to intoxicate.
Disguise
To change the guise or appearance of; especially, to conceal by an unusual dress, or one intended to mislead or deceive.
Bunyan was forced to disguise himself as a wagoner.
Disguise
To hide by a counterfeit appearance; to cloak by a false show; to mask; as, to disguise anger; to disguise one's sentiments, character, or intentions.
All God's angels come to us disguised.
Disguise
To affect or change by liquor; to intoxicate.
I have just left the right worshipful, and his myrmidons, about a sneaker of five gallons; the whole magistracy was pretty well disguised before I gave them the ship.
Disguise
A dress or exterior put on for purposes of concealment or of deception; as, persons doing unlawful acts in disguise are subject to heavy penalties.
There is no passion which steals into the heart more imperceptibly and covers itself under more disguises, than pride.
Disguise
Artificial language or manner assumed for deception; false appearance; counterfeit semblance or show.
That eye which glances through all disguises.
Disguise
Change of manner by drink; intoxication.
Disguise
A masque or masquerade.
Disguise was the old English word for a masque.
Disguise
An outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something;
The theatrical notion of disguise is always associated with catastrophe in his stories
Disguise
Any attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity
Disguise
The act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance;
He is a master of disguise
Disguise
Make unrecognizable;
The herb disguises the garlic taste
We disguised our faces before robbing the bank
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of concealment?
Concealment aims primarily at hiding something from sight.
Is disguise only used for deceptive purposes?
Mostly, yes, though it can also be used for entertainment in plays and movies.
Is concealment always intentional?
Yes, concealment is typically a deliberate act to hide something.
Can you give an example of effective concealment?
Storing valuables in a hidden safe is an example of effective concealment.
What are common methods of disguise?
Common methods include using makeup, costumes, and physical alterations.
Why might someone use disguise?
Someone might use disguise to avoid recognition, protect their privacy, or engage in undercover activities.
Can technology be used to conceal or disguise?
Yes, digital tools can conceal information or alter images and videos as a form of disguise.
Can disguise be a form of protection?
Yes, disguising can protect individuals by hiding their identity in dangerous situations.
What legal implications can concealment have?
Concealment can lead to legal consequences if it involves hiding criminal activities or evidence.
How does disguise differ from concealment?
Disguise involves altering appearance to mislead, whereas concealment focuses on hiding.
How do children commonly use disguise?
Children use disguises during play, particularly in games like "dress up" or Halloween.
What does it mean to conceal one's feelings?
It means to hide one's true emotions from others.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
