unmask

/ˌʌnˈmɑːsk/ (bre, ipa) · [ənmˈæsk] /ˌʌnˈmæsk/ (ame, ipa) · [ənmˈæsk] /ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unmask — verb

  • unmaskpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unmaskshe / she / it
  • unmaskedpast simple
  • unmasking-ing form

1. to make public the dishonest, dangerous, or unpleasant truth about a person, org

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make public the dishonest, dangerous, or unpleasant truth about a person, organization, or situation that was deliberately hidden from view

例句

Hiro's investigation unmasked the company's fake environmental claims, leading to a government fine.

unmask + noun phrase + as + noun phrase pattern

Putri was shocked when a leaked email unmasked her boss as the office rumour source.

同義詞
  • expose

    stronger focus on public display of wrongdoing; often used for scandals

  • reveal

    more neutral; does not necessarily imply deception was involved

  • uncover

    similar but can be accidental; 'unmask' always implies someone was intentionally hiding something

反義詞
  • conceal

    to keep something hidden on purpose

  • mask

    opposite action — to hide true nature under a false appearance

文法句型

unmask + noun phrase + as + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'as' to state the hidden identity or false appearance that is revealed: 'unmask X as Y'. The subject of the sentence is often an investigation, journalist, reporter, or leaked document — not the general public.

常見錯誤

❌The report revealed the minister as corrupt.
✅The report unmasked the minister as corrupt.
💡'Reveal' is more neutral; 'unmask' specifically implies someone was deliberately hiding the truth.

2. to take off a covering that hides someone's face, such as a costume mask, a medi

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to take off a covering that hides someone's face, such as a costume mask, a medical face covering, or protective headgear

例句

At midnight, everyone at the carnival unmasked and showed their painted faces.

intransitive: unmask after an event

Benjamin unmasked himself as soon as the costume parade was over.

reflexive: unmask oneself

同義詞
反義詞
  • put on a mask

    the reverse action — covering the face rather than uncovering it

文法句型

unmask + noun phrase (transitive)

unmask (intransitive — remove one's own mask)

用法筆記

The intransitive use ('everyone unmasked') is most common in carnival, costume-party, or masquerade contexts. The transitive use ('unmask someone') can apply in medical or protective-equipment settings. Not used for removing hats, glasses, or clothing other than face coverings.

常見錯誤

❌He unmasked his jacket.
✅He took off his jacket.
💡'Unmask' only applies to face coverings, not to clothing in general.
❌She unmasked her phone.
✅She removed the screen protector.
💡'Unmask' refers to face masks, not protective covers on objects.