befog

[ bih-fog, -fawg ]

verb (used with object)

, be·fogged, be·fog·ging.

1. to envelop in fog or obscurity; becloud:

   Low-hanging clouds befogged the city.

2. to render unclear; confuse by irrelevancies or distractions:

   Petty differences befogged the legislators' task.

   Synonyms: obfuscate, muddle, blur, confound

befog

/ bɪˈfɒɡ /

verb

1. to surround with fog
2. to make confused, vague, or less clear

Word History and Origins

Origin of befog¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; be- + fog ¹

Example Sentences

Overruling those just to appease your clearly befogged co-parent is a bad habit to get into right as you’re starting this journey.

From Washington Post

Instead of being buried under documents, befogged by facts, you find yourself in the immediate, proximate, breathing presence of another human being — and there’s suddenly no room for anything else.

From Washington Post

As always with the royal family, details about its internal deliberations are elusive and befogged in speculation.

From New York Times

When you shout Durham! the gloomy and befogged financial atmosphere becomes clear and there is a mad rush and scramble for her bonds.

From Literature

So many years later, the “idealism” of that moment proved to be a mirage, viewed through the befogged lens of hubris, clouded by lies.

From New York Times

Related Words

• amaze
• astonish
• astound
• befuddle
• bewilder
• confound
• dazzle
• distract
• dizzy
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• muddle
• mystify
• overwhelm
• paralyze
• perplex
• petrify
• puzzle
• startle
• stun