fuddle

[ fuhd-l ]

verb (used with object)

, fud·dled, fud·dling.

1. to muddle or confuse:

   a jumble of sounds to fuddle the senses.

2. to make drunk; intoxicate.

verb (used without object)

, fud·dled, fud·dling.

1. to tipple.

noun

1. a confused state; muddle; jumble.

fuddle

/ ˈfʌdəl /

verb

1. tr; often passive to cause to be confused or intoxicated
2. intr to drink excessively; tipple

noun

1. a muddled or confused state

Other Words From

• un·fuddled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuddle¹

First recorded in 1580–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuddle¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

That same year, Cosby struck a deal with former Montgomery County District Attorney, Bruce Castor, who fuddled the case after deciding not to file charges against Cosby.

From Salon

"IT fuddles my brain. Confusion. Will I return? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX."

From BBC

In colliding with a new type of animal, a chemical that might once have served to fuddle the wits of pests has been transformed into a glittering lure.

From Scientific American

He began to look around the place with his mouth open and his eyes rolling and fuddled.

From Literature

The poor woman is usually too fuddled to start such a procedure herself; but she responds warmly enough, once she realizes what’s happening.

From Literature

Related Words

• amaze
• astonish
• baffle
• befuddle
• bemuse
• complicate
• confound
• daze
• demoralize
• disconcert
• disorient
• distract
• embarrass
• fluster
• frustrate
• involve
• misinform
• mislead
• mortify
• muddle