bamboozled

American  

[bam-boo-zuhld] / bæmˈbu zəld /

adjective

1. deceived through trickery, flattery, or the like; hoodwinked.

   He feels there’s been a cover-up by the manufacturer and it’s his duty to bring it to the attention of a bamboozled public.

2. perplexed, mystified, or confused.

   I must have had a very bamboozled look on my face, because she gave me an impatient "What’s your problem, lady?"

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of bamboozled

bamboozle ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Young adults aren’t confused or bamboozled by the risks they’re taking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

He has a well-earned reputation among journalists as a perpetual skeptic, someone who refuses to be bamboozled by hype, cope, spin, and anything in between.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2025

It has since become clear that Kennedy thoroughly bamboozled Cassidy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

Osaka bamboozled Swiatek with her sheer power and fearless returning, cracking winners off both wings with ease.

From BBC • May 29, 2024

He’d either bamboozled me or had a little fun, neither of which was the outcome I’d hoped for.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover