Pronunciation

/mæsk/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A covering for all or part of the face, often worn for disguise, protection, entertainment, or to prevent the spread of infection. For example: “She wore a decorative mask to the masquerade ball.”
• Verb (v): To cover or conceal with or as if with a mask. For example: “During the pandemic, it’s mandatory to mask your face when entering public spaces.”
• Verb (v): To hide or disguise (one’s feelings, character, etc.). For example: “She masked her fear with a smile.”
• Verb (v): In chemistry, to apply a protective coating to (a surface). For example: “The metal was masked before being spray painted.”

Phrases

• “Put on a brave face/mask”: To pretend to be confident or untroubled despite feeling the opposite.
• “Behind the mask”: Refers to the true identity or intentions that are hidden beneath a facade.
• “Mask up”: A colloquial phrase meaning to put on a protective face mask.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Doctors and nurses wore medical masks during surgery to maintain a sterile environment.”
• Verb: “In the play, the actor masked his features with a white Venetian mask.”
• Verb: “He tried to mask his disappointment when he heard the news.”

Synonyms

• Noun: Face covering, disguise, visage, veil, goggles
• Verb: Conceal, hide, cover up, camouflage, cloak
• As a verb related to face coverings: Don, wear, sport, use