cover-up

[ kuhv-er-uhp ]

noun

1. any action, stratagem, or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.
2. Also cover·up. any of various women's garments, as loose blouses, jump suits, caftans, or sarongs, worn over a swimsuit, exercise clothing, or the like.

cover-up

noun

1. concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc

verb

1. tr to cover completely
2. whenintr, often foll by for to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime)

   she tried to cover up for her friend

3. intr boxing to defend the body and head with the arms

Word History and Origins

Origin of cover-up¹

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase cover up

Example Sentences

The pledge comes after the BBC screened a special documentary on Wednesday into allegations that there has been a decades-long cover-up of how the nuclear testing programme harmed personnel.

From BBC

The men’s lawyers believe they have a case for a failure to disclose medical records and, at worst, may have had glimpses of a cover-up locked in the bowels of military archives.

From BBC

“This cover-up spanned decades, blocking the Shabazz family’s access to the truth and their right to pursue justice,” Crump shared in a statement.

From Salon

But the recipients of that report "participated in an active cover-up" to prevent its findings, including that crimes had been committed, coming to light, the Makin review said.

From BBC

She replied: “No, you are trying to suggest there was a cover-up, there was no cover-up.”

From BBC