hid
Definition
- 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.)