/ mɑːsk; NAmE mæsk/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a covering for part or all of the face, worn to hide or protect it :
a gas / surgical mask
The robbers were wearing stocking masks.
—picture at diving , hockey
—see also oxygen mask
2.
something that covers your face and has another face painted on it :
The kids were all wearing animal masks.
—see also death mask
3.
a thick cream made of various substances that you put on your face and neck in order to improve the quality of your skin :
a face mask
4.
[ usually sing. ] a manner or an expression that hides your true character or feelings :
He longed to throw off the mask of respectability.
Her face was a cold blank mask.
■ verb
[ vn ] to hide a feeling, smell, fact, etc. so that it cannot be easily seen or noticed
SYN disguise , veil :
She masked her anger with a smile.
➡ note at hide
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from French masque , from Italian maschera , mascara , probably from medieval Latin masca witch, spectre , but influenced by Arabic masḵara buffoon.