0 an attempt to prevent the public from discovering information about a serious crime or mistake:
I'm convinced there was an intentional coverup, that officials haven't told all they know about what happened.
Usual responses to mistakes include silence or discounting, denial and "coverup" if possible, and then blame and even legal repercussions if the "code of silence" is broken.
For me, it suggested a coverup, which he admitted to, in the plea agreement.
The official obituary/coverup claimed he suffered a heart attack in the company of friends during a farewell supper celebrating his illustrious career.
Instead, he appeared regularly at city council meetings complaining of persecution, fraud and coverup by city officials.
A metaphorical fig leaf is something visible but innocuous, as against a coverup in which the existence of something may be entirely hidden.
But the coverup effort proved to be in vain.
Allegations were made of poor judgement evidence destruction, and coverup by news media executives and law enforcement officials.
It was determined that a substantial coverup had taken place.
