obscurantism

[ uhb-skyoor-uhn-tiz-uhm, ob-skyoo-ran-tiz-uhm ]

/ əbˈskyʊər ənˌtɪz əm, ˌɒb skyʊˈræn tɪz əm /

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See synonyms for: obscurantism / obscurantisms / obscurantist on Thesaurus.com

noun

opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.

deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.

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Origin of obscurantism

First recorded in 1825–35; from German Obscurantismus, or French obscurantisme; see origin at obscurant, -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM obscurantism

ob·scu·rant·ist, noun, adjective

Words nearby obscurantism

obrogation, obs., obscene, obscenity, obscurant, obscurantism, obscuration, obscure, obscurity, obscurum per obscurius, obsecrate

How to use obscurantism in a sentence

As they were only talking to themselves, obscurantism increased on a par with poverty and its ills.
Israel’s Religious Zionist Vs. Ultra-Orthodox Rift|Rabbi Daniel Landes|February 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Thus it was that mysticism and obscurantism took the place of enlightenment as a measure of self-defence.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
They succeed, in spite of their obscurantism, because they do confess and meet man's central need, his need to be saved.
Preaching and Paganism|Albert Parker Fitch
The effect of this reaction was to strengthen the cause of authority and political obscurantism.
Reconstruction in Philosophy|John Dewey

The Middle Ages, despite the obscurantism of the Church, had far better claim to that title.
Shelburne Essays, Third Series|Paul Elmer More
But it is an excellent example of what effect religious obscurantism may exert in backward sections of our country.
The Necessity of Atheism|Dr. D.M. Brooks