cover-up I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun (-s) Etymology: from cover up, v. : a device or stratagem for masking, concealing, or preventing investigation, incrimination, or discovery < a cover-up for incompetence and wishful thinking — Herbert Elliston > < using a contrived accident as a cover-up for murder > II. noun 1.: a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public 2.: a loose outer garment