obfuscate

American  

[ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt] / ˈɒb fəˌskeɪt, ɒbˈfʌs keɪt /

verb (used with object)

obfuscated, obfuscating

1. to make unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately.

   Do not obfuscate the issue with irrelevant detail.

   Synonyms:

   muddy, cloud

2. to confuse or bewilder.

   The authors achieve their purpose without obfuscating the reader by using too much technical terminology.

   Synonyms:

   perplex, muddle

   Antonyms:

   illuminate, clarify

3. to darken.

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verb (used without object)

obfuscated, obfuscating

1. to make something unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately; speak or write evasively or obscurely.

   Notice how she obfuscates when asked directly about her conversations with the defendant.

obfuscate British  

/ ˈɒbfʌsˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to obscure or darken

2. to perplex or bewilder

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Other Word Forms

• obfuscation noun
• obfuscatory adjective
• unobfuscated adjective

Etymology

Origin of obfuscate

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin obfuscātus “darkened,” past participle of obfuscāre “to darken,” from Latin ob- ob- + fusc(us) “dark” + -āre, infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

You don’t get to walk into my courtroom, pretend that’s top of mind, then obfuscate when I ask why your office is still running illegally.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

This is the latest of Wall Street’s never-ending efforts to hide, complicate and obfuscate fees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Animal rights activists often misrepresent or obfuscate such population data.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2024

"So they have to find ways to obfuscate or hide the ball."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2024

At least Fyrian never attempted to deflect or obfuscate Luna’s many questions.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill