Obscurant is a noun that refers to a person who deliberately keeps things unclear, mysterious, or difficult to understand, often in order to manipulate or control others. It is derived from the Latin word "obscurans," which means "making dark" or "rendering obscure." An obscurant can be an individual, an organization, or a system that intentionally promotes confusion, obfuscation, or secrecy to impede comprehension or hinder progress.
The term obscurant is commonly used to describe someone who spreads misinformation, hides vital information, or intentionally distorts facts in order to maintain power, authority, or ideological control. This character may exploit the lack of knowledge or awareness among others to manipulate or influence their opinions, beliefs, or actions in a desire to retain dominance or control over a situation or group of people.
The obscurant often employs intricate language, sophisticated jargon, convoluted arguments, or elaborate systems to create a sense of complexity and mystification, thereby discouraging critical thinking, questioning, or dissent. By keeping others in a state of confusion or ambiguity, the obscurant can deflect scrutiny, avoid accountability, or suppress alternative perspectives.
In summary, an obscurant is a person or entity that deliberately keeps things unclear or complicated to maintain power or control, often through misinformation, obfuscation, and manipulation of information or people's understanding.
