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démasquer

to unmask

verb deh-mah-KEH Rare
Communication Speech

Also means

to expose

Usage Note

démasquer literally means to remove a mask (masque, m) from someone, but figuratively it nearly always means to expose a fraudster, spy, or hidden truth. The reflexive se démasquer means to reveal one's true identity. It is frequently encountered in crime and spy fiction.

Examples

"Le journaliste a démasqué l'escroc."

Natural Translation

The journalist unmasked the fraudster.

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