unmask

Everyday

1. To unmask someone is to take off their mask so you can see their face. tree →
2. To unmask a person or plan is to show the truth about them, especially that they are a cheat, spy or criminal. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and cartoons: the villain is unmasked at the end (as in Scooby-Doo). In news: unmasking a fraud or a lie. It tells the reader the truth is finally coming out.

Examples

• At the end, the kids unmasked the ghost – it was the caretaker! tree →
• The detective unmasked the thief. tree →
• The reporter unmasked the fake charity. tree →
• The superhero was never unmasked. tree →
• At midnight, everyone at the party unmasked. tree →
• The test unmasked a mistake in the plan. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Opposite: «mask». Noun: «unmasking». In the «reveal the truth» sense, close to «expose».