disguise
UK[dɪsˈɡaɪz]US[dɪsˈɡaɪz]
v
To change your appearance so that people cannot recognize you.
n
Something that you wear or use to change your appearance so that people cannot recognize you.
n
Behaviour that is intended to hide the truth or your true feelings.
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
guise
dis
apart, away
guise
manner, appearance
Etymology
The word "disguise" entered English in the 14th century from the Old French desguiser, meaning "to change one's appearance." The French term was built from the prefix des- (meaning "apart, away," from Latin dis-) and the noun guise (meaning "manner, fashion"). The literal logic is therefore "to put away one's usual manner or appearance." The Germanic root for guise relates to concepts of manner or way, which evolved into the sense of external appearance. Over time, the meaning expanded from physically altering one's looks to any act of concealing the true nature of something, whether a person, object, or intention.
Analysis
Structure: dis (apart, away) + guise (manner, appearance)
- dis: A Latin prefix meaning "apart," "asunder," "away," or having a negative or reversing force.
- guise: From Old French guise meaning "manner, fashion, way," and ultimately from a Germanic source related to Old High German wīsa (manner, wise).
Examples
He tried to disguise his voice on the phone.
She wore a clever disguise to the costume party.
His friendly manner was merely a disguise for his hostile intentions.