Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The character of being secretive; tendency or disposition to conceal; specifically, in phrenology, that quality the organ of which, when largely developed, is said to impel the individual toward secrecy or concealment. It is located at the inferior edge of the parietal bones. See cut under phrenology.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The quality of being secretive; disposition or tendency to conceal.
  • noun (Phren.) The faculty or propensity which impels to reserve, secrecy, or concealment.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The state or characteristic of being secretive.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the trait of keeping things secret
  • noun characterized by a lack of openness (especially about one's actions or purposes)

Etymologies

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Examples

  • His secretiveness is a start, but perhaps they could turn his good intentions in on him (kind of like what they did with Batman in The Dark Knight), choosing between two goods.

    Christopher Nolan On Board to Direct DARK KNIGHT Sequel and “Godfather” the SUPERMAN Franchise – Collider.com 2010

  • But secretiveness is really all this project has going for it (unlike yours truly, who, besides rock hard abs and the brainyism of an astrophysician, is cuddly like a kitty cat – call me ladies/androgynous young boys).

    CLOVERFIELD: THE SECRET IS OUT! 2007

  • For instance, Matt argues thatThe Democratic Party is awash in secretiveness, and while there have been Kerry emails which explain a bit of polling, one is mostly kept in the dark as to the strategic direction of the campaign.

    Sometimes the first thought... 2004

  • For instance, Matt argues thatThe Democratic Party is awash in secretiveness, and while there have been Kerry emails which explain a bit of polling, one is mostly kept in the dark as to the strategic direction of the campaign.

    Archive 2004-09-01 2004

  • For instance, Matt argues thatThe Democratic Party is awash in secretiveness, and while there have been Kerry emails which explain a bit of polling, one is mostly kept in the dark as to the strategic direction of the campaign.

    We interrupt your regularly scheduled panic attack 2004

  • For instance, Matt argues thatThe Democratic Party is awash in secretiveness, and while there have been Kerry emails which explain a bit of polling, one is mostly kept in the dark as to the strategic direction of the campaign.

    Primary Returns 2004

  • For instance, Matt argues thatThe Democratic Party is awash in secretiveness, and while there have been Kerry emails which explain a bit of polling, one is mostly kept in the dark as to the strategic direction of the campaign.

    A Don't Panic Pictoral... 2004

  • Their secretiveness is the result of the fear that if they give, it may chance that they may want.

    The Life of Gordon, Volume I Demetrius Charles Boulger 1890

  • This covers up also a good deal of business acumen, shrewdness, and secretiveness which is not so childlike and bland.

    The Project Gutenberg Complete Works of Gilbert Parker Gilbert Parker 1897

  • This covers up also a good deal of business acumen, shrewdness, and secretiveness which is not so childlike and bland.

    You Never Know Your Luck; being the story of a matrimonial deserter. Volume 1. Gilbert Parker 1897

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