Fuddle: meaning, definitions and examples

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fuddle

 

[ ˈfədəl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

to confuse

To fuddle someone means to confuse or bewilder them, typically by being overly intoxicated or through misleading information. It can also refer to making a task more complicated than necessary, resulting in a lack of clarity. The term implies a sense of muddiness in thought or perception, often due to external factors. Fuddling can lead to errors in judgment and misunderstanding in various situations.

Synonyms

bewilder, confuse, muddle, perplex.

Examples of usage

  • The complex instructions fuddled the students.
  • Too much alcohol can fuddle your senses.
  • The misleading information fuddled the issue further.
Context #2 | Noun

a state of confusion

Fuddle can also refer to a state of confusion or disorientation. This can happen due to various reasons, including intoxication or a lack of understanding. The noun form is less commonly used but denotes a similar sense of being in a muddled state. When someone is in a fuddle, their thoughts are not clear, and they might struggle to make decisions or reason effectively.

Synonyms

bewilderment, confusion, disarray, muddle.

Examples of usage

  • After a night out, he awoke in a fuddle.
  • The sudden changes left me in a complete fuddle.
  • Her explanation was in such a fuddle that I couldn't follow.

Translations

Translations of the word "fuddle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confundir

🇮🇳 गड़बड़ करना

🇩🇪 verwirren

🇮🇩 bingung

🇺🇦 плутати

🇵🇱 zmącić

🇯🇵 混乱させる

🇫🇷 embrouiller

🇪🇸 confundir

🇹🇷 karıştırmak

🇰🇷 혼란스럽게 하다

🇸🇦 يخلط

🇨🇿 zmást

🇸🇰 zmätiť

🇨🇳 混淆

🇸🇮 zmediti

🇮🇸 rugla

🇰🇿 шатасу

🇬🇪 დაფქვა

🇦🇿 qarışdırmaq

🇲🇽 confundir

Etymology

The term 'fuddle' comes from the early 17th century and is believed to be derived from the dialect word 'fudd,' which means to mix or to confound. The original usage related to the effects of alcohol on a person's ability to think clearly. It is compounded by the Middle English 'fudlen,' which also means to confuse or befuddle. The word has been used in various forms across literature, depicting the state of both mind and body when influenced by confusion or intoxication. Over time, 'fuddle' has secured its place in informal English, often colloquially referring to both the act of confusing and the resultant state of being muddled or in a stupor.