Baffle: meaning, definitions and examples
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baffle
[ ˈbæf.əl ]
confuse
To baffle means to confuse or perplex someone, making them unable to understand or figure out something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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baffle |
Use in situations where someone is perplexed or cannot understand something at all. It often implies a higher level of confusion.
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confound |
Best used to describe a mix of confusion and surprise, where something unexpected challenges what was previously understood.
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bewilder |
Used when someone is very confused or surprised, often due to an overwhelming amount of information or unexpected circumstances.
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puzzle |
Use when something is confusing or difficult to understand, but often in a way that suggests curiosity and a need to solve or figure out the issue.
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Examples of usage
- He was baffled by the complicated instructions.
- The unexpected turn of events baffled everyone in the room.
device
A baffle can also refer to a device or barrier used to control the flow of a fluid, gas, or sound.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
baffle |
Use this word when you want to describe a situation where someone is totally confused or unable to understand something.
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barrier |
This word is useful when talking about physical objects or situations that impede progress or access.
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obstacle |
Use this word to describe something that stands in the way of progress, but typically not something that completely stops it, often implying that it can be overcome.
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block |
This word typically describes something that stops progress or prevents motion. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations.
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Examples of usage
- The baffle in the exhaust system helps reduce noise pollution.
- The baffle in the water tank prevents splashing.
Translations
Translations of the word "baffle" in other languages:
🇵🇹 confundir
🇮🇳 चकराना
🇩🇪 verwirren
🇮🇩 membingungkan
🇺🇦 збивати з пантелику
🇵🇱 zdezorientować
🇯🇵 困惑させる (konwaku saseru)
🇫🇷 déconcerter
🇪🇸 desconcertar
🇹🇷 şaşırtmak
🇰🇷 혼란스럽게 하다 (honlanseureobge hada)
🇸🇦 أربك (arbak)
🇨🇿 zmást
🇸🇰 zmiasť
🇨🇳 使困惑 (shǐ kùnhuò)
🇸🇮 zmediti
🇮🇸 rugla
🇰🇿 шатастыру
🇬🇪 დაბნევა (dabneva)
🇦🇿 çaşdırmaq
🇲🇽 desconcertar
Etymology
The word 'baffle' originated from the Middle French word 'bafouer', meaning to disgrace or cheat. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of confusing or perplexing someone. The use of 'baffle' in the sense of a device or barrier can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it was used in engineering contexts to describe a component that controls the flow of fluids or sound.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,341, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 18338 unsettling
- 18339 saddled
- 18340 eczema
- 18341 baffle
- 18342 heretic
- 18343 docile
- 18344 ruthlessly
- ...