Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Wearing a mask or covering that conceals the face: Describes a person or character whose face is hidden by a mask.
   • Having markings that resemble a mask: Describes an animal or object with natural color patterns that look like a mask, especially around the eyes.
   • Concealed or disguised in nature; hidden: Describes something whose true identity, character, or intent is deliberately hidden or obscured.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Wearing a mask):
  • The masked bandit robbed the stagecoach.
  • At the masquerade ball, all the guests were masked.
• Adjective (Having mask-like markings):
  • The masked raccoon rummaged through the trash cans.
  • A masked owl has distinctive dark feathers around its eyes.
• Adjective (Concealed or disguised):
  • His compliment was a masked insult.
  • The report contained a masked threat.
  • She spoke with masked anger.

Advanced Usage

• "masked man/woman/figure": A person whose face is hidden by a mask, often creating an air of mystery or anonymity.
  • A masked figure appeared at the window.
• "masked ball": A formal dance where participants wear masks.
  • They attended a lavish masked ball in Venice.
• In a figurative sense, to describe emotions or intentions that are not openly displayed.
  • He listened with masked impatience.

Variants and Related Words

• Mask (noun/verb): The covering itself, or the act of concealing.
  • noun: She wore an elaborate Venetian mask.
  • verb: He tried to mask his disappointment.
• Unmask (verb): To reveal the true nature or identity of someone or something.
  • The journalist worked to unmask the corrupt official.
• Masking (noun): The act or process of covering or concealing.
  • The masking of emotions is common in diplomacy.

Synonyms

• Disguised: Changed in appearance to conceal identity.
• Veiled: Partially concealed or obscured.
• Camouflaged: Hidden by blending in with surroundings.
• Hidden: Kept out of sight.

Antonyms

• Unmasked: Not wearing a mask; revealed.
• Open: Not concealed; frank and honest.
• Overt: Done or shown openly.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "masked identity": An identity that is concealed.
  • The superhero operated under a masked identity.
• "masked gunman": An armed person whose face is hidden.
  • The bank was held up by a masked gunman.
• In biology, "masked" can be part of a species' common name, e.g., the masked booby, masked crab.

Adjective

1. having markings suggestive of a mask
   • the masked face of a raccoon
2. having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading
   • hidden agenda
   • masked threat