Obfuscating

Obfuscating is the act of making something unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand. It often involves the use of convoluted language, misleading information, or complex terminology, which serves to obscure the truth or the intended message. Obfuscation can be intentional, aiming to deceive or mislead, or unintentional, arising from poor communication skills.

Obfuscating meaning with examples

• The lawyer's obfuscating remarks during the trial left many jurors more confused than enlightened about the key issues at stake. Their complex jargon obscured the facts, making it challenging for anyone outside the legal profession to grasp the truth.
• In an effort to avoid accountability, the CEO resorted to obfuscating the company’s financial troubles with vague statements and complex graphs that obscured the reality of the situation.
• The politician's obfuscating language during the press conference frustrated journalists hoping for straightforward answers regarding the controversial policy. Instead, his evasive responses left more questions than clarity.
• Many technical manuals are criticized for obfuscating information through complicated explanations and jargon, which can deter users from effectively engaging with the product.
• The artist’s use of obfuscating imagery in his paintings invites viewers to interpret the work in their own ways, challenging them to look deeper and consider multiple meanings behind the abstract representations.