bedazzle

[ bih-daz-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, be·daz·zled, be·daz·zling.

1. to impress forcefully, especially so as to make oblivious to faults or shortcomings:

   Audiences were bedazzled by her charm.

   Synonyms: captivate, enchant, flabbergast, overwhelm, astound, dazzle

2. to dazzle so as to blind or confuse:

   The glare of the headlights bedazzled him.

   Synonyms: fluster, befuddle, blind, disconcert, bewilder, daze

3. to adorn with features that are brilliant, sparkly, splendid, etc.:

   You don’t need to bedazzle your business card with glitter, but does it stand out from the crowd?

   Both the wealthy and the common flapper could bedazzle themselves in the popular long necklaces of the day.

bedazzle

/ bɪˈdæzəl /

verb

1. tr to dazzle or confuse, as with brilliance

Derived Forms

• beˈdazzlement, noun

Other Words From

• be·daz·zle·ment noun
• be·daz·zling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedazzle¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; be- + dazzle

Example Sentences

Bedazzle: How many rings are too many at once?

From New York Times

Bedazzle: Yes, you can stack your rings.

From New York Times

“I would analogize this to the wizard in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and his use of mystery and the booming voice from heaven to bedazzle Judy Garland, and then eventually the curtain is removed and there he is, he is just an average mortal,” Kelner said.

From Washington Post

Especially the marvelous starry seed heads of A. christophii and A. schubertii that are durable enough to bedazzle the garden all summer.

From Seattle Times

On days over the years when I wasn’t reviewing, we would on occasion get to go backstage, an opportunity I grabbed only if I thought it would bedazzle my daughter.

From Washington Post