obscurant

[ uhb-skyoor-uhnt ]

noun

1. a person who strives to prevent the increase and spread of knowledge.
2. a person who obscures.

adjective

1. pertaining to or characteristic of obscurants.
2. tending to make obscure.

obscurant

/ əbˈskjʊərənt /

noun

1. an opposer of reform and enlightenment

adjective

1. of or relating to an obscurant
2. causing obscurity

Derived Forms

• ˌobscuˈrantism, noun
• ˌobscuˈrantist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obscurant¹

1790–1800; < Latin obscūrant- (stem of obscūrāns, present participle of obscūrāre ), equivalent to obscūr ( us ) dark + -ant- -ant

Example Sentences

Overhead the ionic field was aglow, humming softly, beating back the obscurant mists.

From Project Gutenberg

Shun double-entendres, prurient jocosity, and pestiferous profanity, obscurant or apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

Whoever confessed his faith in the truths of the Bible was called an obscurant.

From Project Gutenberg