mask

Something worn over all or part of your face to protect you or hide who you are.

• Please wear a mask in this room.
• The children made masks for the party.
• He wore a mask to protect himself from dust.

Similar words: face covering

Common phrases: wear a mask, face mask, protective mask

To hide something or make it seem different from what it really is.

• The perfume masked the unpleasant smell.
• He laughed to mask his fear.
• Loud music can mask the sound of traffic.

How to use it: mask something with something (She masked her disappointment with a smile.)

Similar words: hide, conceal, disguise

Opposites: reveal

Common phrases: mask the smell, mask your feelings, mask something with something

To keep enemy soldiers or a military position from acting while other military action takes place.

• The troops were ordered to mask the fortress.
• A larger force masked the enemy position during the advance.
• The general left soldiers behind to mask the remaining defenders.

Similar words: contain, hold in check

Common phrases: mask a fortress, mask enemy troops, mask a position