smoke screen

noun

1. a mass of dense smoke produced to conceal an area, vessel, or plane from the enemy.
2. something intended to disguise, conceal, or deceive; camouflage.

smoke screen

noun

1. military a cloud of smoke produced by artificial means to obscure movements or positions
2. something said or done in order to hide the truth

Word History and Origins

Origin of smoke screen¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Compassionate care, in fact, is nothing more than a smoke screen intended to hide coercion, structural inequalities and governments’ lack of social responsibility.

From Salon

The company said panic buttons, alarms, smoke screens and security doors were all fitted at the shop.

From BBC

But HB 2118 unnecessarily tightens the rein on gun dealers while using the public’s safety as a smoke screen.

From Seattle Times

White phosphorus is an incendiary, toxic substance used to create light and smoke screens during combat.

From New York Times

White phosphorus munitions can legally be used on battlefields to make smoke screens, generate illumination, mark targets or burn bunkers and buildings.

From Reuters

Related Words

• red herring