WordGarden.iohide
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈaɪd/
US
- /ˈhaɪd/
Meanings
Verb
to put or keep someone or something where it cannot be seen or found
to keep information, feelings, or the truth secret
to make something not visible on a screen or in software
Noun
an animal's skin, especially when used for leather
a place or shelter used to watch animals without being seen
Beyond the definition
To hide means to put something, or yourself, out of sight so others cannot find it. A child might hide behind a curtain during a game of peek-a-boo, or a squirrel might hide nuts for the winter. But "hide" is not always about physical concealment. You can also hide your feelings, meaning to keep them secret or keep others from seeing them. Sometimes, things are hidden in plain sight, like a clever clue in a puzzle.
The word "hide" carries a fascinating range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of concealment. At its most basic, it means to put something out of view, protecting it from being discovered or found. Think of a cat hiding under a bed, a treasure buried and hidden in a chest, or a detective trying to hide from a suspect.
But "hide" goes beyond just physical objects. You can hide your emotions, holding them back or pretending they are not there. "She tried to hide her sadness behind a smile." You can also hide information, keeping it secret from others. A spy might hide their true identity, or a company might hide financial troubles.
Interestingly, "hide" can also describe something being obscured within something else. "The meaning was hidden in the poem's symbolism." Something can even be "hidden in plain sight" - easy to see, but still overlooked because it does not seem important.
Historically, "hide" also referred to the outer skin of an animal, used for leather. While this usage is less common today, it reminds us that even seemingly simple words have rich and layered histories.
So whether you're seeking shelter, keeping a secret, or simply putting something out of sight, "hide" speaks to the universal human impulse to conceal, protect, and sometimes, disappear from view.
Examples
- 1
Children
The kids hid under the table when they heard the front door open.
- 2
Hidden object
She hid the spare key in a flowerpot.
- 3
Secrets
He hid the truth from his family for a long time.
- Patternhide something from someone
keep it secret from them
- 4
Responsibility
You can't hide from your responsibilities forever.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emotions
Maya smiled, but she couldn't hide her disappointment.
- 6
Obscured view
The thick trees hide the lake from the road.
- 7
Hidden features
The app's simple design hides a lot of powerful features.
- 8
Excuse
The minister tried to hide behind technical language.
- Patternhide behind something
use it as an excuse or protection
- 9
No secrets
I have nothing to hide.
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hidenounverb
Forms
- hiddenpast participleverbnoun
- hiding-ing formverbnoun
- hidpast tenseverbnoun
- hidespluralnounverb