The word "defines" is commonly used to describe the process of explaining or determining the meaning or essence of something. However, if we are looking for opposites, antonyms for "defines" could include terms such as obscures, confuses, or muddles. While "defines" provides clarity and sets boundaries, these antonyms imply a lack of definition, leading to chaos or uncertainty. "Hides" or "shrouds" could also be antonyms, as they imply covering up or concealing information rather than clearly articulating it. In contrast, terms such as "interprets," "elucidates," or "explicates" might be seen as synonyms, all suggesting a process of clarifying or explaining the meaning of something.