Dissemble

Pronunciation

• IPA: dɪˈsÉ›mbəɫ

Origin

From Latin dissimulare.

Full definition of dissemble

Verb

1. (transitive) To disguise or conceal something.
• ShakespeareDissemble all your griefs and discontents.
• J. P. KemblePerhaps it was right to dissemble your love.
2. (transitive) To feign.
• 1681, John Dryden, And like a lion, slumb'ring in the way,Or sleep-dissembling, while he waits his prey.
• TatlerHe soon dissembled a sleep.
3. (transitive) To deliberately ignore something; to pretend not to notice.
4. (intransitive) To falsely hide one's opinions or feelings.
• XVII century, John Dryden, Cymon And Iphigenia; from BoccaceWhile to his arms the blushing bride he took,To seeming sadness she composed her look;As if by force subjected to his will,Though pleased, dissembling, and a woman still.