clandestine

Definition

Done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.

Etymology

From Latin clandestīnus (“secret, concealed”); compare French clandestin.

Example Sentences

• "clandestine military operations"
• "Monimia, who while she yielded to his earnest entreaties had always felt, from the natural rectitude of her understanding, the impropriety of their clandestine correspondence, would, he feared, be more than ever sensible of her indiscretion, when she found that a servant was entrusted with it..."
• "Whether the torments of absence were softened by a clandestine correspondence, let us not inquire. Mr. and Mrs. Morland never did."