boggle

[bog-uhl]

verb (used with object)

boggled, boggling 

1. to overwhelm or bewilder, as with magnitude, complexity, or strangeness.

   The speed of light boggles the mind.

2. to bungle; botch.

verb (used without object)

boggled, boggling 

1. to hesitate or waver because of scruples, fear, etc.

2. to start or jump with fear, alarm, or surprise; shrink; shy.

3. to bungle awkwardly.

4. to be overwhelmed or bewildered.

noun

1. an act of shying or taking alarm.

2. a mess; a bungle or botch.

3. Archaic.,  a scruple; demur; hesitation.

boggle

/ ˈbɒɡəl /

verb

1. to be surprised, confused, or alarmed (esp in the phrase the mind boggles )

2. to hesitate or be evasive when confronted with a problem

3. (tr) to baffle; bewilder; puzzle

Other Word Forms

• bogglingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of boggle¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; perhaps from bogle

Word History and Origins

Origin of boggle¹

C16: probably variant of _bogle ¹

Example Sentences

"Forgive me if I'm wrong, and I might be, but some of these decisions are so hard to take. Mind boggling," the 27-year-old posted on X, external.

From BBC

“To have hired an active lobbyist for Crypto.com at the highest ranks of our organization is so inappropriate it boggles my mind.”

From Los Angeles Times

What possessed the stadium 'entertainment' people to play Sweet Caroline as Ryan was being tended to boggles the mind.

From BBC

They often feature steam-bent wood that makes my mind boggle when I visit, with its twists and turns.

From BBC

“I haven’t seen any street vendors in the past three days, which is mind boggling to me because I live in Echo Park and they’re everywhere there usually.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astound 
• flabbergast 
• startle