cover-up

[kuhv-er-uhp]

noun

1. any action, stratagem, or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.

2. Also coverup any of various women's garments, as loose blouses, jump suits, caftans, or sarongs, worn over a swimsuit, exercise clothing, or the like.

cover-up

noun

1. concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc

verb

1. (tr) to cover completely

2. to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime)

   she tried to cover up for her friend

3. (intr) boxing to defend the body and head with the arms

Word History and Origins

Origin of cover-up¹

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase cover up

Idioms and Phrases

Wrap up or enfold in order to protect. For example, Be sure to cover up the outdoor furniture in case of rain , or It's cold, so be sure to cover up the baby . [Late 1800s]

Conceal something, especially a crime, as in The opposition accused the President of covering up his assistant's suicide . [c. 1920]

Example Sentences

But now, with Congress back in session, Johnson is back in cover-up mode.

From Salon

For decades, a cadre of Americans has believed that there was a government-backed cover-up of those killings.

From Salon

This led to claims of a "cover-up" - something Warwickshire Police fiercely denied.

From BBC

We know for certain he attempted to hide his alleged crimes and cover-up for the burglars and his staffers.

From Salon

Finch, who represents Reform UK, said residents had "not been told the full story" and the only risk to public order came from "the cover-up itself".

From BBC

Related Words

• complicity 
• conspiracy 
• evasion