obfuscate

[ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt]

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.

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

/ ˈɒbfʌsˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to obscure or darken

2. to perplex or bewilder

Other Word Forms

• obfuscation noun
• obfuscatory adjective
• unobfuscated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obfuscate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of obfuscate¹

C16: from Latin ob- (intensive) + fuscāre to blacken, from fuscus dark

Example Sentences

“The strength in megacap tech has obfuscated what appears to be increasing signs of weakness through much of the real economy,” said Bob Elliott, chief executive at Unlimited funds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“This was treason. They tried to steal the election, they tried to obfuscate the election. They did things that nobody’s ever imagined, even in other countries.”

Read more on Salon

Right-wing media is also playing its part to obfuscate and distract on behalf of negligent GOP governance.

Read more on Salon

“Edison obfuscated the truth by making false and misleading statements concerning its role in the fire,” the lawsuit claims.

Read more on Los Angeles Times