bewilder

[ bih-wil-der ]

verb (used with object)

1. to confuse or puzzle completely; perplex:

   These shifting attitudes bewilder me.

   Synonyms: muddle, stagger, confound, daze, confuse, nonplus, mystify

bewilder

/ bɪˈwɪldə /

verb

1. to confuse utterly; puzzle
2. archaic.
   to cause to become lost

Derived Forms

• beˈwilderˌment, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewilder¹

First recorded in 1675–85; be- + wilder ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewilder¹

C17: see be- , wilder

Example Sentences

But it can feel bewildering, and far away.

From BBC

Being the journalist I am, from the beginning of this strange and bewildering acoustic saga, I wanted to determine the etiology of my hearing decline.

From Salon

“Jesus of Suburbia” rejects suburban conformity, seeking meaning in a world that feels increasingly hostile and bewildering.

From Salon

A naive and bewildered Daniel Dubois turned to his father for support when asked to share his dreams and aspirations.

From BBC

A touch bewildered, a trifle unsteady on his feet.

From BBC

Related Words

• baffle
• befuddle
• bemuse
• confound
• daze
• disconcert
• distract
• fluster
• mystify
• perplex
• puzzle
• rattle
• stump
• stupefy
• upset