obfuscate

Definition

To make dark; to overshadow.

Etymology

The adjective is first attested in 1487, in Middle English, the verb in 1536; either borrowed from Middle French obfusquer, offusquer, from Old French offusquer, or directly from Late Latin obfuscātus, offuscātus, the perfect passive participle of obfuscō, offuscō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from Latin ob- + fuscō (“to darken”). Doublet of dusken (“to darken, make obscure”).

Example Sentences

• "obfuscate facts"
• "Can weakness be really obfuscated?"
• "Before leaving the scene, the murderer set a fire in order to obfuscate any evidence of his identity."

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