Mystification: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe a situation or state where something is deliberately made obscure or puzzling. This can include tricks or actions designed to confuse.

• The magician's tricks led to a sense of mystification among the audience.
• His constant mystification of the facts made it difficult for anyone to understand the truth.

Use this word for a general state of not understanding something or being mixed up, applicable in many everyday situations.

• There was some confusion about the meeting time.
• His explanation only added to my confusion.

This word is best used when someone is deeply confused and unable to understand something, often due to complexity or rapid changes.

• She looked at the complicated instructions in utter bewilderment.
• The sudden change in rules left everyone in bewilderment.

This word applies when someone is puzzled or unsure, especially due to something being unclear or complex. It can imply a slightly higher level of intellectual challenge than confusion.

• The perplexity on her face was evident as she tried to solve the riddle.
• He watched with perplexity as the complicated machine started malfunctioning.

Used when something is made unclear or confusing, often on purpose, but not necessarily with harmful intent.

• The magician's mystification left the audience in awe.
• She spoke in riddles, causing mystification among her friends.

Implies the act of misleading or lying with an intent to cause harm or gain some benefit.

• His deception cost the company millions.
• She was hurt by the extent of his deception.

Refers to the act of using tricks to deceive someone, often implying a cunning or sly approach.

• The con artist's trickery fooled many people.
• She used trickery to win the game.

Used when someone is tricked into believing something false, usually implying that the person was naive.

• He was duped into investing in the fake company.
• They duped her with a fake lottery winning.