Dissemble

Dis·sem′ble (dĭs·sĕm′b'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dissembled; p. pr. & vb. n. Dissembling.] [OF. dissembler to be dissimilar; pref. dis- (L. dis-) + F. sembler to seem, L. simulare to simulate; cf. L. dissimulare to dissemble. See Simulate, and cf. Dissimulate.] 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. Shak.

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.

Syn. — To conceal; disguise; cloak; cover; equivocate. See Conceal.

Dis·sem′ble, v. i. 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. C. J. Smith.