befuddle

[ bih-fuhd-l ]

verb (used with object)

befuddled, befuddling.

1. to confuse, as with glib statements or arguments:

   politicians befuddling the public with campaign promises.

   Synonyms: muddle, daze, baffle, bewilder, perplex

2. to make stupidly drunk.

befuddle

/ bɪˈfʌdəl /

verb

1. to confuse, muddle, or perplex
2. to make stupid with drink

Derived Forms

• beˈfuddlement, noun

Other Word Forms

• be·fud·dler noun
• be·fud·dle·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of befuddle¹

First recorded in 1885–90; be- + fuddle

Example Sentences

Lost in the haze of Trump’s befuddled narcissism and fascism is the often ignored reality: this is not normal.

From Salon

Intricate pre-plotted plays befuddle defences with a blizzard of runners, while they shift the ball with a cardsharp's speed and dexterity.

From BBC

People were befuddled by Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-in-the-making passion project, a rococo take on the collapse of an empire.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s all nonsense too, but I remain especially befuddled by the insinuation that it’s somehow sinister or unpatriotic for “entities” “controlled” by “domestic companies” to oppose tariffs.

From Los Angeles Times

They have all portrayed Dr. John Watson, the inquisitive physician and sometimes befuddled companion to legendary detective Sherlock Holmes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• baffle
• bewilder
• daze
• disorient
• distract
• dumbfound
• fluster
• intoxicate
• muddle
• puzzle
• stupefy