1. an outward appearance or form that conceals the true nature of something
2. a false appearance or pretense

Examples

• The spy entered the building under the guise of a delivery person.
• She offered help under the guise of friendship, but had ulterior motives.
• The dictator ruled under the guise of democracy.
• He approached her under the guise of asking for directions.
• The company’s layoffs came under the guise of restructuring.
• The advertisement was propaganda in the guise of public service.