mask Definition

mask
noun

1a. Any covering for the face or for part of the face, worn for amusement, protection or as a disguise, which is often painted and decorated.

Example: Hallowe'en mask
1b. A covering for the mouth and nose, such as an oxygen mask, or a surgical mask worn by surgeons, nurses, etc to reduce the spread of infection.
2. A pretence; anything that disguises the truth, eg false behaviour.

Example: a mask of light-heartedness
Thesaurus: disguise, cover, façade, front, guise, pretence, semblance, veneer.
3. A moulded or sculpted cast of someone's face.

Example: death-mask
4. A cosmetic face pack.
5. photog.
See under masking.

verb masked, masking

1. To put a mask on someone or something.
2. To disguise, conceal or cover.

Example: Find something to mask the smell
Thesaurus: disguise, hide, conceal, cloak, cover, screen, shield, camouflage, veil, obscure.
3. To protect something with a mask, or as if with a mask, from some effect or process.
intr
4. To masquerade, or be disguised as, it or them.

Form: mask as something (usually)
Form: mask as someone

Derivative: masked

Wearing, concealed or protected by a mask.

For or with people wearing masks.
Example: masked ball

Derivative: masker
noun

Etymology: 16c as masque: French, from Spanish máscara or Italian maschera a mask or disguise.