befuddle

[ bih-fuhd-l ]

verb (used with object)

, be·fud·dled, be·fud·dling.

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 Words From

• 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

He exited the presidential race after appearing so befuddled in a July debate against Trump that many in the country began to question his mental acuity and his ability to lead.

From Los Angeles Times

Hamilton sounded befuddled by the incident in the race.

From BBC

The father and son dynamic — affectionate, but doubting — was at the heart of their shared time onstage, with Dan the hipper son and Eugene the slightly befuddled father.

From Los Angeles Times

In light of this, it makes sense that Republicans are befuddled about why Vance rubs people the wrong way.

From Salon

When “The Artist” won the Oscar, I remember liking that movie but was befuddled by its elevation as something important.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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