confounded

[ kon-foun-did, kuhn- ]

adjective

1. bewildered; confused; perplexed.
2. damned (used euphemistically):

   That is a confounded lie.

   Synonyms: objectionable, execrable, damnable

confounded

/ kənˈfaʊndɪd /

adjective

1. bewildered; confused
2. informal.
   prenominal execrable; damned

Derived Forms

• conˈfoundedness, noun
• conˈfoundedly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·founded·ly adverb
• con·founded·ness noun
• uncon·founded·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of confounded¹

First recorded in Middle English; confound, -ed ²

Example Sentences

As the New York Times reported at the time, “Nothing else in Mr. Obama’s first term has baffled liberal supporters and confounded conservative critics alike as his aggressive counterterrorism record. His actions have often remained inscrutable, obscured by awkward secrecy rules, polarized political commentary, and the president’s own deep reserve.”

From Salon

Joan Biskupic’s reported piece in CNN this week, about the chief justice’s very extremely bad summer, bears the slightly misleading title “John Roberts Remains Confounded by Donald Trump as Election Approaches.”

From Slate

Mr Justice Poole said: "I do not wish to minimise the emotional turmoil suffered by Mr and Mrs R and the continuing burdens that NR suffers because of his conditions, but it seems to me to be a wonderful surprise that NR has confounded expectations, that he no longer requires continuing invasive interventions and, in particular, that he has been able to return home to the loving care of his devoted parents."

From BBC

A four-year-old boy who was expected to die shortly after his life support was removed has "confounded" medical expectations, a UK judge has said in a ruling.

From BBC

To say it confounded Buehler would undersell the toll it took on his usually unflappable psyche.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confused
• perplexed