Dissemble /(?)/

Dis·sem·ble

Dissemble

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Dissembled; p. pr. & vb. n. Dissembling

  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.
    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.

Dissemble

v. i.
  1. To conceal the real fact, motives, intention, 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.