concealments

Concealment is the act of keeping something hidden or out of sight, and in law, policy, and strategy it also refers to methods used to hide information, objects, or presence. The term derives from Latin occultare, meaning to hide, with the noun form appearing in English in the medieval period.

Legal and regulatory contexts: Concealment can refer to the deliberate withholding of material information. In contract law and consumer protection, concealment of defects or relevant facts may give the other party a right to rescind or seek damages. In insurance, non-disclosure or concealment of material facts can void a policy. In criminal law, concealment of stolen goods, contraband, or evidence can itself be an offense separate from possession or handling.

Combatting or safety contexts: In security, surveillance, and military operations, concealment denotes techniques to hide people, items, or activity, distinct from camouflage which aims to blend with the environment. Concealment methods include using shadows, disguises, or concealment of weapons in ordinary carry items. In hunting and wildlife observation, concealment seeks to avoid detection by animals.

Stage, sport, and science: In magic and stagecraft, concealment is used to hide props or perform sleights of hand. In medicine and psychology, concealment can refer to the suppression or non-disclosure of symptoms or risk factors, which raises ethical considerations and can affect diagnosis or treatment.

Overall, concealment is context-dependent: it can be intentional concealment for privacy or safety, or illegal concealment involving deception or evasion of law enforcement.