Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Dissemble?

\Dis*sem"ble\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dissembled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Dissembling}.] [OF. dissembler to be dissimilar; pref. dis- (L. dis-) + F. sembler to seem, L. simulare to simulate; cf. L. dissimulare to dissemble. See {Simulate}, and cf. {Dissimulate}.] 1. To hide under a false semblance or seeming; to feign (something) not to be what it really is; to put an untrue appearance upon; to disguise; to mask. Dissemble all your griefs and discontents. --Shak. Perhaps it was right to dissemble your love, But -- why did you kick me down stairs? --J. P. Kemble. 2. To put on the semblance of; to make pretense of; to simulate; to feign. He soon dissembled a sleep. --Tatler. Syn: To conceal; disguise; cloak; cover; equivocate. See {Conceal}.
\Dis*sem"ble\, v. i. To conceal the real fact, motives, ?tention, or sentiments, under some pretense; to assume a false appearance; to act the hypocrite. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips. --Prov. xxvi. 24. He [an enemy] dissembles when he assumes an air of friendship. --C. J. Smith.