Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something known or visible that was previously hidden, secret, or unknown: The core meaning involves revealing information or uncovering something that was concealed.
   • To allow something to be seen by removing a cover or barrier: This meaning focuses on the physical act of uncovering or exposing something to view.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The company refused to disclose its financial records. (They would not make the secret information known.)
  • He opened the box to disclose a beautiful antique necklace. (He removed the cover to allow the necklace to be seen.)
  • The witness was forced to disclose the truth in court. (The witness had to reveal the previously hidden facts.)
  • The investigation disclosed several critical errors in the system. (The investigation brought to light the hidden errors.)

Advanced Usage

• "To disclose information": A common collocation emphasizing the act of revealing facts or data.
  • The law requires banks to disclose information about fees.
• "To disclose one's identity/intentions": To reveal who one is or what one plans to do.
  • The whistleblower was afraid to disclose her identity.

Variants and Related Words

• Disclosure (n): The act of disclosing or the thing that is disclosed.
  • The disclosure of the email caused a scandal.
• Undisclosed (adj): Not revealed or made public.
  • The meeting was held at an undisclosed location.

Synonyms

• Reveal: To make known something surprising or secret.
• Divulge: To make private or sensitive information known.
• Uncover: To discover something hidden.
• Expose: To make something visible or known, often something bad.

Antonyms

• Conceal: To keep something secret or hidden.
• Hide: To put or keep out of sight.
• Withhold: To refuse to give information.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Disclose" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "Let the cat out of the bag": To disclose a secret carelessly or by mistake.
  • He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
• "Spill the beans": To disclose secret information.
  • Finally, one of the conspirators spilled the beans to the police.

Verb

1. disclose to view as by removing a cover
   • The curtain rose to disclose a stunning set
2. make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
   • The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
   • The actress won't reveal how old she is
   • bring out the truth
   • he broke the news to her
   • unwrap the evidence in the murder case