obscurantism

[ uhb-skyoor-uhn-tiz-uhm, ob-skyoo-ran-tiz-uhm ]
See synonyms for obscurantism on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.

  2. deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.

Origin of obscurantism

1
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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use obscurantism in a sentence

  • His opponents were regarded as obscurantists, who, rather than the object of their attack, were endangering Judaism.

  • Personally I know just about as many young fools and obscurantists and militarists as elderly ones.

  • He had a liking for all forthright and pugnacious men, and a contempt for lawyers, schoolmasters and all other such obscurantists.

    Damn! | Henry Louis Mencken
  • With these learned obscurantists Dr. Napheys had no patience, and naturally found but slight favor.

    The Physical Life of Woman: | Dr. George H Napheys
  • Reuchlin's good offices to the Jews—his defense of them against the attacks of obscurantists—are a matter of general knowledge.