obfuscate
verb
Mary Carroll
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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
Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
As these entities grew, business operations became much more complex, and the sleight of hand known as Hollywood accounting—obfuscating exactly how much is spent and earned, exactly how much is due to be paid out—became much easier for the studios.
—Daniel Bessner, Harper's Magazine, 21 Mar. 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Obfuscate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obfuscate. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
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