baffle
baf·fle [baffle baffles baffled baffling] verb, noun BrE [ˈbæfl] NAmE [ˈbæfl] verb to confuse sb completely; to be too difficult or strange for sb to understand or explain •~ sb His behaviour baffles me. •be baffled (as to) why, how, where, etc… I'm baffled as to why she hasn't called. •I'm baffled why she hasn't called. Verb forms: Word Origin: late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘cheat, deceive’): perhaps related to French bafouer ‘ridicule’ or obsolete French beffer ‘mock, deceive’. Example Bank: •He is still the chief suspect in this baffling case. •The baffling thing is, why didn't she simply call the police? Example Bank: •I'm baffled by her decision. •It baffles me why the show is so popular. •Scientists are baffled as to why so many young people are affected. Derived Words: ↑bafflement ▪ ↑baffling noun (technical) a screen used to control or prevent the flow of sound, light or liquid Word Origin: late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘cheat, deceive’): perhaps related to French bafouer ‘ridicule’ or obsolete French beffer ‘mock, deceive’.
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