Definition

1. Verb (past tense of hide):
   • To conceal or put out of sight: "hid" is the simple past tense form of the verb "hide," meaning to place something where it cannot be easily seen or found.
   • To keep secret: "hid" can also refer to the act of keeping information or feelings unknown.
   • To remain unseen: In a reflexive or intransitive sense, "hid" means to go into a place where one cannot be seen.

Usage Examples

• Simple past tense (concealing an object):

  • She hid the gift in the closet before the party. (She placed the gift out of sight in the closet.)
  • The cat hid its toy under the sofa. (The cat concealed its toy beneath the sofa.)

• Simple past tense (keeping secret):

  • He hid his disappointment with a smile. (He concealed his true feelings of disappointment.)
  • They hid the truth from their parents for years. (They kept the truth unknown to their parents.)

• Simple past tense (remaining unseen):

  • The child hid behind the door during the game of hide-and-seek. (The child went to a place where they could not be seen, behind the door.)
  • The spy hid in the shadows to avoid detection. (The spy remained unseen in the dark areas.)

Advanced Usage

• "hid away": to store or conceal something in a secure or secret place.

  • She hid away her savings in a locked drawer. (She stored her money securely out of sight.)

• "hid from": to avoid being seen or discovered by someone or something.

  • The fugitive hid from the authorities for weeks. (The fugitive avoided detection by the authorities.)

• "hid one's face": to cover or turn away one's face, often out of shame or embarrassment.

  • He hid his face in his hands when he realized his mistake. (He covered his face to show shame.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hide (verb, base form): to conceal or put out of sight.

  • I hide my keys in a safe place. (I conceal my keys.)

• Hidden (past participle): concealed or kept out of sight.

  • The treasure was hidden in a cave. (The treasure was concealed in a cave.)

• Hiding (noun): the act of concealing or the state of being concealed.

  • The mouse went into hiding when the cat arrived. (The mouse entered a state of concealment.)

Synonyms

• Concealed: kept out of sight; hidden.
• Secreted: placed in a hiding place; stashed away.
• Camouflaged: disguised to blend in with the surroundings.

Related Idioms

• "hid one's light under a bushel": to conceal one's talents or abilities.

  • Despite his brilliance, he always hid his light under a bushel. (He kept his abilities secret or modest.)

• "hid in plain sight": to conceal something in a location where it is easily visible but not noticed.

  • The spy hid the documents in plain sight on the bookshelf. (The documents were placed openly but not noticed.)