English vocabulary · C2
Obfuscate
/ˈɑːb.fə.skeɪt/ · v.
To obfuscate is to make the truth hard to see. You use confusing words so people miss the real problem.
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Example sentences
- They obfuscate the dirty water problem.
- His long answer can obfuscate truth.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- obfuscatus — darkened (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- OBSCURE — hide from clear view (Make unclear)
- CONFUSE — make someone unsure (Make hard to follow)
- CLOUD — make less clear (Blur the point)
Similar words
- obscure
- confuse
- cloud
- muddle
- conceal
Lesson notes
To obfuscate is to make the truth hard to see. You use confusing words so people miss the real problem.
Related: obscure, confuse, cloud. Use obfuscate when words hide clear facts.
They obfuscate the dirty water problem. His long answer can obfuscate truth.
From Latin. Obfuscatus means darkened. In English, obfuscate keeps truth darkened beneath vague words.