conflate

[ kuhn-fleyt ]

verb (used with object)

, con·flat·ed, con·flat·ing.

1. to fuse into one entity; merge:

   to conflate dissenting voices into one protest.

conflate

/ kənˈfleɪt /

verb

1. tr to combine or blend (two things, esp two versions of a text) so as to form a whole

Derived Forms

• conˈflation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conflate¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin conflātus “fused together,” past participle of conflāre “to fuse together,” from con- con- + flāre “to blow” ( blow ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of conflate¹

C16: from Latin conflāre to blow together, from flāre to blow

Example Sentences

Punishing poverty and conflating it with abuse or neglect has serious consequences.

From Salon

And while early voting numbers should not be conflated with final tallies, there is data to support GOP concern.

From Salon

A lot of research, and especially mainstream media, conflate the proximate cause of something with the underlying cause of it.

From Salon

This anecdote conflates the psychedelic trip that his character undergoes with the actor himself.

From Los Angeles Times

The organisation claims recent changes in the law "conflating modern slavery with immigration" has made victims fearful they'll be prosecuted and deported.

From BBC

Related Words

• amalgamate
• consolidate
• converge
• fuse
• meld
• unify
• unite