cloak

[klohk]

noun

1. a loose outer garment, as a cape or coat.

2. something that covers or conceals; disguise; pretense.

   He conducts his affairs under a cloak of secrecy.

   Synonyms: veil, mask, cover

verb (used with object)

1. to cover with or as if with a cloak.

   She arrived at the opera cloaked in green velvet.

2. to hide; conceal.

   The mission was cloaked in mystery.

cloak

/ kləʊk /

noun

1. a wraplike outer garment fastened at the throat and falling straight from the shoulders

2. something that covers or conceals

verb

1. to cover with or as if with a cloak

2. to hide or disguise

Other Word Forms

• cloakless adjective
• undercloak noun
• well-cloaked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloak¹

1175–1225; Middle English cloke (< Old French ) < Medieval Latin cloca, variant of clocca bell-shaped cape, bell; clock ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloak¹

C13: from Old French cloque, from Medieval Latin clocca cloak, bell; referring to the bell-like shape

Example Sentences

It’s unfortunate that the final seasons of “Worst Cooks in America” were cloaked in a strange limbo.

From Salon

Kerimov took possession of the vessel sometime around 2021, though his transactions were cloaked through shell companies, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times

While confused Democrats diddle in private with their feelings, Republicans have made race and gender the center of their platform, even if they cloak it under economic talk.

From Los Angeles Times

She rounds the corner to check on Franklin and finds a mysterious cloaked figure interacting with her child.

From Los Angeles Times

In the meantime, staff left or weren't attracted to working in a hospital whose future was cloaked in doubt.

From BBC

Related Words

• camouflage 
• conceal 
• dress up 
• obscure 
• shroud 
• veil