befuddled

[ bih-fuhd-ld ]

adjective

1. confused or muddled:

   They claim this is the prevailing economic theory, taught in the best schools, and that I am a hopelessly befuddled fool for questioning it.

2. puzzled or perplexed:

   People often ask us—usually with a befuddled look on their face—"Why on earth are you doing this?"

3. stupidly drunk:

   I don't think he's sobered up at all—in fact, he looks almost frighteningly befuddled and out of it.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of befuddle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of befuddled¹

First recorded in 1830–40; befuddle + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; befuddle + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

He exited the presidential race after appearing so befuddled in a July debate against Trump that many in the country began to question his mental acuity and his ability to lead.

From Los Angeles Times

Hamilton sounded befuddled by the incident in the race.

From BBC

The father and son dynamic — affectionate, but doubting — was at the heart of their shared time onstage, with Dan the hipper son and Eugene the slightly befuddled father.

From Los Angeles Times

In light of this, it makes sense that Republicans are befuddled about why Vance rubs people the wrong way.

From Salon

When “The Artist” won the Oscar, I remember liking that movie but was befuddled by its elevation as something important.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• baffled
• bewildered