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Obfuscated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obfuscated

[ˈɒb.fʌ.skeɪ.tɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

clarity, understanding

Obfuscated refers to something that has been made unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand. This can pertain to language, information, or processes that are deliberately distorted or obscured. In software development, code may be obfuscated to protect it from being easily understood or reverse-engineered. The objective of obfuscation is often to enhance security, although it can sometimes lead to frustration for those attempting to comprehend the material.

Synonyms

blurred, confused, enigmatic, hidden.

Examples of usage

  • The obfuscated text made the instructions impossible to follow.
  • The developer obfuscated the code to hide its true functionality.
  • Due to its obfuscated nature, the policy was misinterpreted by many.
  • She found the obfuscated passage quite challenging to decode.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'obfuscated'

The term 'obfuscated' originates from the Latin word 'obfuscare', which means 'to darken or obscure'. This Latin root is a combination of 'ob', meaning 'over', or 'against', and 'fuscare', meaning 'to darken'. The word has evolved in English usage over time, maintaining its connotation of making something less clear or more difficult to understand. In the 1960s, the term began to be used in technical contexts, particularly in computer programming, where obfuscation of source code became a strategy for protecting intellectual property and ensuring security. The practice of obfuscation, particularly in programming and information security, has grown increasingly prevalent with the rise of the digital age, as the need to safeguard sensitive information and deter unauthorized access has become a high priority.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,540, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.