UNMASKING

Examples of UNMASKING in a sentence

UNMASKING as a verb in a sentence

• The journalist was praised for unmasking the corrupt official.
• During the investigation, they focused on unmasking the identity of the anonymous hacker.
• The magician’s trick involved unmasking the hidden object.
• The detective succeeded in unmasking the true perpetrator of the crime.
• They worked tirelessly on unmasking the corporate scandal.
• The hero’s final act was unmasking the villain in front of the crowd.
• Unmasking the fraud took months of meticulous work.
• The movie’s climax centered around unmasking the ghost’s identity.

UNMASKING as an adjective in a sentence

• The unmasking ceremony revealed the true identities of the participants.
• The unmasking event left the audience in shock.
• The report provided an unmasking account of the company’s practices.
• His unmasking speech exposed many hidden truths.
• The unmasking moment in the play was highly anticipated.
• The unmasking photos showed the reality behind the facade.
• The unmasking article shed light on the politician’s secrets.
• The unmasking interview revealed the celebrity’s true personality.

Origin of UNMASKING

The term unmasking traces its linguistic journey through stages of social and cultural evolution, reflecting changes in perception and identity over time.

• Old French: The term finds its roots in Old French as “desmaskier”, meaning to remove or reveal a mask. This term was often associated with theatrical performances or masquerade events, where individuals would conceal their identities behind masks.
• Middle English: Transitioning into Middle English, the term evolved into “unmasken”, retaining its fundamental meaning of revealing or exposing something hidden or concealed. During this period, the concept of unmasking extended beyond literal masks to encompass figurative masks or disguises used to conceal true intentions or identities.
• Early Modern English: In Early Modern English, “unmasking” became a common term in literary and philosophical discourse, symbolizing the act of uncovering truths or penetrating illusions. It was often used metaphorically to describe the process of revealing hidden motives, deceptions, or realities.
• Modern English: In contemporary usage, “unmasking” retains its metaphorical significance, referring to the act of revealing or exposing the true identity, nature, or motives of someone or something. It is commonly used in contexts such as journalism, espionage, psychology, and social commentary to describe the process of uncovering hidden truths or deceptions.

From its origins in Old French as “desmaskier” to its modern form as “unmasking”, the term encapsulates the timeless human quest for truth and authenticity, reflecting our ongoing efforts to penetrate illusions and uncover the realities that lie beneath the surface.