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Obfuscate

/ˈɒbfəskeɪt/verb
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Obfuscate means to deliberately make something unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand, often as a tactic to hide information or intentions. In today's digital age, it's frequently used in programming to scramble code and protect it from hackers, but it also pops up in everyday scenarios like evasive political speeches that leave audiences scratching their heads.

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In the world of cybersecurity, obfuscated code in software can increase file sizes by as much as 300% while making reverse-engineering nearly impossible, a technique that's been pivotal in protecting apps like those from Google Play, where over 80% of popular apps employ it. This method has roots in ancient military strategies, such as the use of coded messages in World War II, highlighting how obfuscation has long been a clever human tool for secrecy.

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Oxford English DictionaryMerriam-Webster DictionaryEtymonlineBritannica Encyclopedia

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