adjective
clandestine
klan-DES-tin/klænˈdestɪn/
Kept secret, often because it is illegal or unauthorized.
The two adults make a clandestine cash exchange beneath the table.
Etymology
Latin clandestinus meant “secret, hidden” and was formed from clam, “secretly,” related to celare, “to hide.” The English sense focuses that idea of concealment on conduct kept secret, especially because it is improper or illegal.
In context
clandestine program to build the foundations of a new Sovereign Finnish Army which saw 1,000 to 2,000 finish men secretly traveled to Germany
More examples
- She discovered a clandestine agreement between the rivals.
- The group operated a clandestine radio station.
- Their clandestine activities remained hidden for years.
Forms
clandestine
Similar words
- private
- Private need not involve concealment of wrongdoing; clandestine emphasizes secrecy, often against authority.