obfuscation
(ɒbfʌˈskeɪʃən)
[ad. L. obfuscātiōn-em, n. of action from obfuscāre: see prec. Cf. also offuscation.]
1. The action of obfuscating, or condition of being obfuscated; darkening, obscuration: a. physical, or of the sight (see prec. 1, 3 a).
| 1608 Topsell Serpents 214 It [the bite of the serpent Pelias] bringeth obfuscation or dimnesse to the eyes. 1794–6 E. Darwin Zoon. (1801) I. 28 In cataracts and obfuscations of the cornea. 1881 E. W. Gosse in Fortn. Rev. June 692 Mr. W...has in this instance [in a portrait] given the poet a sort of obfuscation which is not entirely satisfactory. |
b. of an object of perception or thought.
| 1656 Jeanes Mixt. Schol. Div. 61 This morall corruption and obfuscation of the soules immortality by worldly mindednesse. 1660 Waterhouse Arms & Arm. 77 Which variation causing much obfuscation in History. 1886 E. L. Bynner A. Surriage xxix. 341 The obfuscation is studied. |
c. of the understanding, etc.: Stupefaction, bewilderment (see prec. 3 b).
| 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. i. iii. ii. iv. (1651) 202 Care, sorrow, and anxiety, obfuscation of spirits. 1837 Old Commodore I. 31 That obfuscation..with which he was always afflicted on shore. 1878 Dods Mohammed, Buddha & Christ i. 26 His conscience was in a state of obfuscation. |
2. transf. Something that darkens, or obscures.
| 1660 H. More Myst. Godl. x. xii. 526 Quite rid of all pretended Traditions and whatever obfuscations and entanglements of humane Invention. 1881 J. Owen Even. w. Skeptics viii. II. 142 Too often theologians, like..cuttle-fish, escape pursuit by enveloping themselves in their self-raised obfuscations. |