mystify

[ mis-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mys·ti·fied, mys·ti·fy·ing.

1. to perplex, puzzle, or baffle; defy the understanding of:

   The judge's decision in this case completely mystifies me, given all the evidence.

2. to perplex (a person) by playing upon their ignorance, gullibility, or naiveté; bewilder purposely:

   It's the perfect propaganda to mystify and demoralize voters.

   Synonyms: puzzle, elude, mislead, fool

3. to involve in mystery or obscurity:

   These vague terms serve only to further mystify the concept for readers.

mystify

/ ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
2. to make mysterious or obscure

Derived Forms

• ˈmystiˌfyingly, adverb
• ˈmystiˌfying, adjective
• ˌmystifiˈcation, noun
• ˈmystiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• mys·ti·fi·ca·tion [mis-t, uh, -fi-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• mys·ti·fied·ly adverb
• mys·ti·fi·er noun
• mys·ti·fy·ing·ly adverb
• o·ver·mys·ti·fy verb (used with object) overmystified overmystifying
• un·mys·ti·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystify¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic ( def ) or mystère mystery ¹( def ) ) + -fier -fy ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystify¹

C19: from French mystifier, from mystère mystery ¹or mystique mystic

Example Sentences

The tackling issues Sunday seemed to mystify defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt, who the previous week lauded the team’s recent improvement.

From Seattle Times

While Iowa has played an outsize role in presidential politics for generations, the details of how the caucuses actually work can surprise and mystify even hard-core political junkies.

From Seattle Times

The power of movies to reveal, arouse and mystify is also very much on Oren’s mind, specifically the eccentric, transformative discipline of Foley artists: sound technicians who bend everyday objects into a new aural reality.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond grit and defiance, there may be another explanation for that, and it’s shared by countless Ukrainians who mystify outsiders by continuing to live perilously close to the front lines of the biggest European war in generations.

From New York Times

Some have even created "The AI Hype Wall of Shame" to critique pundits who dramatize and mystify A.I. overmuch.

From Salon

Related Words

• baffle
• confound
• deceive
• perplex
• puzzle
• stump