Definition

1. Verb:
   • To intentionally prevent something from being seen, known, or discovered by others; to hide.
   • To keep something secret or to oneself.

Usage

The verb "conceal" is used to describe the action of hiding an object, emotion, fact, or person. It implies a deliberate effort to keep something from view or knowledge. It is often used in more formal contexts than the simpler verb "hide."

Examples

• Conceal an object:
  • He tried to conceal the letter in his pocket.
  • The safe was cleverly concealed behind a painting.
• Conceal an emotion or information:
  • She could not conceal her disappointment at the news.
  • The government was accused of concealing vital evidence.
• Conceal oneself:
  • The soldiers concealed themselves in the dense forest.

Advanced Usage

• "to conceal something from someone": To actively keep something secret from a specific person or group.
  • He managed to conceal his past from his new colleagues.
• "to conceal the truth/facts": A common collocation for hiding information.
  • The report conceals the truth about the environmental damage.

Variants and Related Words

• Concealment (n): The action of hiding something or the state of being hidden.
  • The concealment of the weapon was a key part of the crime.
• Concealed (adj): Kept hidden or secret.
  • The room had a concealed entrance.

Synonyms

• Hide: To put or keep out of sight. (More general and common than "conceal.")
• Cover: To place something over or upon to hide or protect.
• Mask: To conceal or disguise.
• Suppress: To prevent something from being revealed or expressed.

Antonyms

• Reveal: To make previously unknown or secret information known.
• Disclose: To allow something to be seen or known.
• Expose: To make something visible by uncovering it.

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Conceal" is not typically used to form phrasal verbs. The concept is expressed by the verb itself or with prepositions like "from.")

Related Idioms

• Concealed weapon: A weapon, especially a firearm, that is hidden on a person.
  • He was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
• A concealed agenda: Hidden or secret motives or intentions behind an action.
  • Many suspect the proposal has a concealed agenda.

Verb

1. hold back; keep from being perceived by others
   • She conceals her anger well
2. prevent from being seen or discovered
   • Muslim women hide their faces
   • hide the money