uncover

Uncover is a transitive verb meaning to remove a cover from something or to reveal something that was hidden or unknown. It can describe physically uncovering an object, such as uncovering a jar lid or a tomb, as well as figuratively uncovering information, such as a truth, a secret, or evidence of wrongdoing.

In specialized contexts, uncovering is used in archaeology to describe the act of revealing artifacts, or in journalism and law enforcement to describe exposing concealed facts or activities. In everyday language, uncover often collocates with nouns like truth, facts, secrets, or fraud, and with verbs such as reveal, expose, or disclose.

Form and usage: uncover is typically transitive; the past tense is uncovered, the present participle uncovering, and the noun form uncovering refers to the process of revealing. The adjective uncovered means not covered, or lacking protection.

Origin and semantics: the word is formed from the prefix un- combined with cover; earliest uses appear in Middle English. The sense shifts from the literal removal of a barrier to the broader act of bringing something hidden into view.

See also: discover, reveal, expose, conceal.