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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Camouflage: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：blend in (camouflage)

camouflage 🔊

/ˈkæm.ə.flɑːʒ/

v./n.

It's when something's colors or patterns help it blend in and hide.

blend in 🔊

➕

/blɛnd ɪn/

v./n.

The natural ability of an animal or object to hide by matching the colors and patterns of its surroundings.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'camoufler', meaning 'to disguise', itself from Italian 'camuffare' (to disguise).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'CAMOU-flage' yourself to 'CAMOU-flage' with your surroundings. Sounds like 'camou-flag' you hide under.

📖 Example

The chameleon's natural camouflage allows it to blend perfectly with the green leaves. 🔊 The chameleon's innate ability to disguise itself lets it merge seamlessly with the foliage.

🔗 Collocations

natural camouflage – The inherent disguising ability of an animal or plant.

military camouflage – Patterns and materials used to conceal military personnel and equipment.

break up camouflage – A pattern that disrupts the outline of an object to aid concealment.

🔄 Synonyms

concealment (n.) – The state of being hidden or kept out of sight.

disguise (n.) – Something that alters appearance to prevent recognition.

protective coloration (n.) – Coloration that helps an animal blend into its environment for safety.

🚫 Antonyms

display (n.) – A show or exhibition intended to be seen; the opposite of hiding.

exposure (n.) – The state of having no protection or concealment.

🌱 Derivatives

camouflaged (adj.) – Disguised or concealed by camouflage.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English during WWI from French military slang, describing the art of disguising guns and positions. It reflects the widespread use of deceptive painting and netting in trench warfare.

Meaning 2：disguise (camouflage)

camouflage 🔊

/ˈkæm.ə.flɑːʒ/

v./n.

To change your look to match your surroundings and not be seen.

Camouflage in action: a person wearing a ghillie suit concealed in forest.

disguise 🔊

➕

/dɪsˈɡaɪz/

v./n.

To deliberately alter one's appearance to hide or blend in with the environment.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He wore a green jacket to camouflage himself among the trees during the game of hide-and-seek. 🔊 He put on a green jacket to conceal himself within the forest while playing hide-and-seek.

🔗 Collocations

camouflage oneself – To take action to hide one's own appearance.

camouflage netting – A type of net used to cover and hide objects.

attempt to camouflage – To try to disguise or hide something.

🔄 Synonyms

conceal (v.) – To keep something from being seen or known.

mask (v.) – To cover or disguise the true nature of something.

cloak (v.) – To hide, cover, or disguise something.

🚫 Antonyms

reveal (v.) – To make something previously hidden known or visible.

expose (v.) – To leave something uncovered or unprotected.