Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance: The use of materials, coloration, or behavior to hide something or make it blend in with its surroundings.
   • A device or stratagem for concealment or deceit: A specific method, technique, or outfit used for the purpose of hiding or deception.
   • Material or fabric designed for concealment: Cloth or other materials colored and patterned to make the wearer or object hard to see against a particular background.
   • An outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something: A deceptive appearance or behavior that hides the true character or intentions.

2. Verb:

   • To disguise by camouflaging; to exploit the natural surroundings to disguise something: To hide or conceal something by making it look like part of its environment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The soldier's camouflage made him nearly invisible in the forest. (The soldier's concealment outfit made him hard to see.)
  • The animal's natural camouflage protects it from predators. (The animal's innate coloring and patterns provide protection.)
  • His friendly manner was just a camouflage for his hostile intentions. (His pleasant behavior was a deceptive front.)

• Verb:

  • The military unit will camouflage their vehicles before the mission. (The unit will disguise their vehicles to blend in.)
  • The insect camouflages itself to look like a leaf. (The insect disguises itself to resemble a leaf.)

Advanced Usage

• "To break camouflage": To reveal one's position or true nature after being hidden.
  • The sniper had to break camouflage when the enemy patrol came too close.
• "Camouflage netting": A specific type of netting used to conceal equipment or positions.
  • They draped the artillery with camouflage netting.

Variants and Related Words

• Camouflaged (adj.): Describing something that has been concealed using camouflage.
  • The camouflaged bunker was impossible to spot from the air.
• Camouflage pattern (n.): The specific design (e.g., digital, woodland) printed on fabric for concealment.
  • The new uniforms feature a more effective digital camouflage pattern.

Synonyms

• Disguise: To change appearance to conceal identity.
• Concealment: The action of hiding something.
• Mask: Something used to cover or hide the true nature of something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Camouflage" is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. The verb is used directly.)

Related Idioms

• A wolf in sheep's camouflage: A variation of "a wolf in sheep's clothing," meaning a dangerous person pretending to be harmless. (This is a creative adaptation using the concept of camouflage.)
  • Be careful of him; he's a wolf in sheep's camouflage.

Noun

1. the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance
   • he is a master of disguise
2. device or stratagem for concealment or deceit
3. fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
4. an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something
   • the theatrical notion of disguise is always associated with catastrophe in his stories

Verb

1. disguise by camouflaging; exploit the natural surroundings to disguise something
   • The troops camouflaged themselves before they went into enemy territory