obfuscate

verb

ob·​fus·​cate ˈäb-fə-ˌskāt How to pronounce obfuscate (audio)
äb-ˈfə-ˌskāt,
əb-
obfuscated; obfuscating

transitive verb

1
a
: to throw into shadow : darken
b
: to make obscure
obfuscate the issue
officials who … continue to obscure and obfuscate what happenedMary Carroll
2
: confuse
obfuscate the reader

intransitive verb

: to be evasive, unclear, or confusing
The suspect often obfuscated during the interrogation.
obfuscation noun
obfuscatory adjective

Did you know?

Try to Understand the Roots of Obfuscate

Obfuscate comes from the Latin prefix ob- (meaning "over" or "completely") and fuscus ("dark-colored"). That fact gives an idea as to how the word can refer to making something difficult to see or understand—much like how dark, dirty water makes it hard to see the bottom.

Examples of obfuscate in a Sentence

Politicians keep obfuscating the issues. Their explanations only serve to obfuscate and confuse.
Recent Examples on the Web Critics say the focus on individual action can obfuscate accountability for the worst polluters, who also happen to be the wealthiest. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024 This library has been obfuscated using the OLLVM tool. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Sep. 2024 Promoters exaggerate their attributes and obfuscate their problems to make more money, solidify their legacies, and avoid fallout for any misdeeds. Sarah Kurchak, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024 The lulz have always been a tool to obfuscate that an individual was being racist, sexist, or generally hateful. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obfuscate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obfuscate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin obfuscātus, offuscātus, past participle of obfuscāre, offuscāre "to obscure, darken, depreciate," from Latin ob-, perfective prefix + -fuscāre, verbal derivative of fuscus "dark-colored, somber, dark-skinned or -complected" — more at ob-, dusk entry 1

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obfuscate was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near obfuscate

Cite this Entry

“Obfuscate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obfuscate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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