mask

noun
\ ˈmask How to pronounce mask (audio) \

Definition of mask

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : a cover or partial cover for the face used for disguise
(2) : a person wearing a mask : masker
b(1) : a figure of a head worn on the stage in antiquity to identify the character and project the voice
(2) : a grotesque false face worn at carnivals or in rituals
c : an often grotesque carved head or face used as an ornament (as on a keystone)
d : a sculptured face or a copy of a face made by means of a mold
2a : something that serves to conceal or disguise : pretense, cloak aware of the masks, facades and defenses people erect to protect themselves— Kenneth Keniston
b : something that conceals from view
c : a translucent or opaque screen to cover part of the sensitive surface in taking or printing a photograph
d : a pattern of opaque material used to shield selected areas of a surface (as of a semiconductor) in deposition or etching (as in producing an integrated circuit)
3a : a protective covering for the face
b : gas mask
c : a device covering the mouth and nose to facilitate inhalation
d : a comparable device to prevent exhalation of infectious material
e or less commonly masque : a cosmetic preparation for the skin of the face that produces a tightening effect as it dries
4a : the head or face of an animal (such as a fox or dog)
b : an area (such as the one around the eyes) of an animal's face that is distinguished by usually darker coloring

mask

verb
masked; masking; masks

Definition of mask (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to take part in a masquerade
2a : to assume a mask
b : to disguise one's true character or intentions

transitive verb

1 : to provide or conceal with a mask: such as
a : to conceal from view mask a gun battery
b : to make indistinct or imperceptible masks undesirable flavors
c : to cover up masked his real purpose
2 : to cover for protection
3 : to modify the size or shape of (something, such as a photograph) by means of an opaque border

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Other Words from mask

Verb

masklike \ ˈmask-​ˌlīk How to pronounce masklike (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for mask

Synonyms: Noun

vizard

Synonyms: Verb

camouflage, cloak, disguise, dress up

Antonyms: Verb

unmask

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Choose the Right Synonym for mask

Verb

disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity. disguised herself as a peasant cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention. cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something. smiling to mask his discontent

Examples of mask in a Sentence

Noun

Everyone wore costumes and masks to the dance. Doctors wear surgical masks in the operating room.

Verb

The house was masked by trees. They tried to mask their real purpose. She tried using perfume to mask the bad odor.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The photographer most famous for posing people in masks, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, has two images in the show. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, "Photography’s biggest stars are out in MFA’s ‘Viewpoints’ show," 15 Aug. 2019 Video of the initial carjacking incident circulated on social media and showed two men in masks with knives attempting to rob the Arsenal stars in Ozil's Mercedes. Emily Caron, SI.com, "Mesut Ozil, Sead Kolasinac to Miss Arsenal vs. Newcastle Due to Security Concerns," 9 Aug. 2019 Rio's state secretary of prison administration released photos showing da Silva in a silicon girl's mask and long dark-haired wig, wearing tight jeans and a pink shirt with a cartoon image of donuts. Htv National Desk, Houston Chronicle, "Brazil gang leader dresses up as daughter in jail escape bid," 5 Aug. 2019 Rio's State Secretary of Prison Administration released photos showing da Silva in a silicon girl's mask and long dark-haired wig, wearing tight jeans and a pink shirt with a cartoon image of donuts. NBC News, "Brazil gang leader dresses up as daughter in failed jail escape attempt," 4 Aug. 2019 After two suspects in masks approached the store an unmasked suspect acted as a lookout near the door as the masked suspects brandished a gun at the clerk. Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al.com, "Police asking public’s help in identifying Birmingham package store robbers," 21 June 2019 He was dressed in a black mask and black tactical gear, running toward the courthouse carrying a large rifle and multiple magazines of ammo strapped to his waist. Brian Ries, CNN, "This photographer went to cover a trial. He came face to face with a gunman instead," 18 June 2019 For a time, the protesters, many in masks and other gear to guard against possible use of tear gas, responded with chants, some kneeling in front of the officers. Jane Onyanga-omara, USA TODAY, "Hong Kong police clear streets as protesters move to park," 17 June 2019 The cast consists of one person playing the aviator, and the rest as actors in masks alongside the puppeteers with their puppets. Paige Fumo Fox, Daily Southtown, "Puppets bring magical, whimsical tale of 'The Little Prince' to life in Beverly," 13 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Sparber said excessive online gaming often masks a deeper problem, like depression. Cindy Krischer Goodman, sun-sentinel.com, "Gamers and mass shooters: Do video games really make a person more aggressive?," 9 Aug. 2019 Chacon said American chocolates often contain palm oil and a lot of sugar, which can mask the natural flavors of the ingredients. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Oceanside couple living la ‘Dolce’ vita with Italian chocolates," 8 Aug. 2019 Prejudice was hidden beneath a surface of politeness and civility that scarcely masked the assumption of superiority, of greater intelligence, of entitlement. Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, "Race, History, and Memories of a Virginia Girlhood," 18 July 2019 Unwanted robocalls, often made using computers that can mask the caller’s identity, have increasingly become a problem for U.S. consumers. Jesse Naranjo, WSJ, "House Panel Advances Robocall Bill," 25 June 2019 On the plus side, there’s Duke Caboom (a great Keanu Reeves), an Evel Knievel-like action figure with a penchant for posing that masks self-doubt. Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "'Toy Story 4' doesn't need to exist, but in the end it's OK that it does," 15 June 2019 So many of the characters greet you with gleaming smiles that mask hurt, insecurity and doubt, and that’s symbolic of this Monterey neighborhood. Mark Dawidziak, cleveland.com, "Meryl Streep is powerful addition to ‘Big Little Lies’," 7 June 2019 Founded in 1993 by Bernadette Van-Huy, Thuy Pham, and Seth Shapiro, Bernadette Corporation’s first act of disruption was its formal-sounding name, which masked the trio’s outsider status. Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "Notes from the Underground: With a New Book Out, Bernadette Van-Huy Tracks Her Evolution from Bernadette Corporation to Now," 5 Nov. 2018 Take his camp-themed look for the 2019 Met Gala, a truly avant-garde optical illusion involving a few extra pairs of eyes and a Michael Meyers mask. Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Ezra Miller Wants to Help You Find the Magic of Makeup," 9 July 2019