Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of concealing or hiding something: "masking" refers to the action of covering or obscuring something to prevent it from being seen or noticed.
   • The blocking of one sensation by another: In psychology and perception, "masking" describes the phenomenon where the perception of one stimulus is obscured or altered by the presence of another simultaneous or closely following stimulus.
   • Scenery used to hide parts of a stage: In theater, "masking" is material or scenery used to block the audience's view of backstage areas or technical equipment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The soldiers used clever masking to hide their position from surveillance. (The act of concealing)
  • Auditory masking occurs when a loud sound makes a softer one inaudible. (The blocking of a sensation)
  • The stage crew adjusted the black velvet masking before the show. (Theatrical scenery)

Advanced Usage

• "Backward masking": In audio perception, when a later sound makes an earlier sound difficult to perceive.

  • The researcher's paper focused on the effects of backward masking in speech.

• "Visual masking": When the visibility of one visual stimulus is reduced by the presence of another.

  • The experiment demonstrated strong visual masking when the images were presented in rapid succession.

Variants and Related Words

• Mask (verb/noun): To conceal or cover; a covering for the face.

  • She used makeup to mask the bruise. (verb)
  • He wore a mask to the costume party. (noun)

• Masked (adjective): Concealed or hidden.

  • The masked entrance was hard to find.

Synonyms

• Concealment: The action of hiding something.
• Occlusion: The blockage or closing of something.
• Camouflage: Disguising to blend in with surroundings.

Related Phrases

• "Masking tape": A type of adhesive tape used to cover areas that should not be painted.

  • Use masking tape to protect the window frames before painting the walls.

• "Masking effect": The phenomenon where one stimulus interferes with the perception of another.

  • The masking effect of the tinnitus made it difficult for her to hear quiet conversations.

Related Idioms

• "A masking of intentions": The act of hiding one's true plans or feelings.
  • His friendly manner was merely a masking of his intentions to gain an advantage.

Noun

1. scenery used to block the audience's view of parts of the stage that should not be seen
2. the blocking of one sensation resulting from the presence of another sensation
   • he studied auditory masking by pure tones
3. the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
   • the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft