confounded

[ kon-foun-did, kuhn- ]

adjective

1. bewildered; confused; perplexed.
2. damned (used euphemistically):

   That is a confounded lie.

   Synonyms: objectionable, execrable, damnable

confounded

/ kənˈfaʊndɪd /

adjective

1. bewildered; confused
2. informal.
   prenominal execrable; damned

Derived Forms

• conˈfoundedness, noun
• conˈfoundedly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·founded·ly adverb
• con·founded·ness noun
• uncon·founded·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of confounded¹

First recorded in Middle English; confound, -ed ²

Example Sentences

A four-year-old boy who was expected to die shortly after his life support was removed has "confounded" medical expectations, a UK judge has said in a ruling.

From BBC

To say it confounded Buehler would undersell the toll it took on his usually unflappable psyche.

From Los Angeles Times

Linebacker Eric Gentry, whose unusual skill set confounded the last defensive staff, was a force in the middle for this one, tallying seven tackles in just 29 snaps.

From Los Angeles Times

The Rams owner and billionaire developer solved a puzzle that had confounded the NFL for two decades.

From Los Angeles Times

There are many recent examples in Latin America where a supposed disciple has confounded expectations by striking out on their own.

From BBC

Related Words

• confused
• perplexed