Obscurantist: meaning, definitions and examples

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obscurantist

 

[ Ι™bˈskjΚŠΙ™rΙ™ntΙͺst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

politics, philosophy

An obscurantist is a person who deliberately prevents the facts or full details of something from becoming known. This term is often used to describe individuals or movements that seek to maintain secrecy or complexity to obscure the truth or understanding, especially in the realms of knowledge and education.

Synonyms

delayer, ignoramus, obfuscator

Examples of usage

  • The obscurantist regime suppressed all forms of dissent.
  • Critics labeled the author's convoluted prose as obscurantist.
  • His obscurantist tendencies hindered open discussion.
  • In an obscurantist approach, the important facts were hidden.

Word origin

The term 'obscurantist' derives from the Latin word 'obscurare', meaning 'to darken or to make obscure'. It came into use during the Enlightenment period, a time when the emphasis on reason and knowledge clashed with traditional beliefs and ignorance. The word was used to describe those who were seen as resisting the spread of knowledge, particularly in politics and philosophy. Over time, obscurantism has been associated with various movements that prioritize secrecy or complexity over clarity and understanding, contributing to ongoing debates about access to information and the nature of truth.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,543, 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.