Langimage
English

obfuscate

|ob/fus/cate|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈɑːb.fəˌskeɪt/

🇬🇧

/ˈɒb.fʌs.keɪt/

make unclear

Etymology
Etymology Information

'obfuscate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obfuscare,' where 'ob-' meant 'over' and 'fuscare' meant 'to darken.'

Historical Evolution

'obfuscare' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'obfuscatio,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obfuscate.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to darken or obscure,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make something unclear or difficult to understand.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.

The politician tried to obfuscate the issue with irrelevant details.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35