noun / adjective
stealth
STELTH/stelθ/
Concealed movement or action that avoids detection.
The fox moves with stealth through the grass at dusk.
Etymology
The stealing root and noun-forming ending originally named theft itself. The secrecy involved in stealing then became the central meaning, extending stealth to unnoticed movement or action generally.
In context
improve its stealth running silent has long been the submariner's greatest Advantage
More examples
- The thieves rely on stealth rather than force.
- She opens the door with stealth to avoid waking the baby.
- Stealth aircraft are designed to reduce detection by radar.
Forms
stealth
stealthy adjective — Moving or acting without attracting notice.
stealthily adverb — In a way that avoids notice.
Similar words
- secrecy
- Emphasizes keeping information hidden rather than avoiding detection during action.
- furtiveness
- Suggests nervous concealment, often from fear of being caught.