mystify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to perplex, puzzle, or baffle; defy the understanding of.
The judge's decision in this case completely mystifies me, given all the evidence.
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to perplex (a person) by playing upon their ignorance, gullibility, or naiveté; bewilder purposely.
It's the perfect propaganda to mystify and demoralize voters.
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to involve in mystery or obscurity.
These vague terms serve only to further mystify the concept for readers.
verb
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to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
-
to make mysterious or obscure
Other Word Forms
- mystification noun
- mystifiedly adverb
- mystifier noun
- mystifying adjective
- mystifyingly adverb
- overmystify verb (used with object)
- unmystified adjective
Etymology
Origin of mystify
First recorded in 1805–15; from French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic ( def. ) or mystère mystery 1 ( def. ) ) + -fier -fy ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even when elected leaders decry inequity, they typically do more to mystify than clarify what has caused it.
From Salon • Oct. 23, 2025
The Cubs, meanwhile, managed only one hit after the third inning as four Brewers relievers -- Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, rookie Chad Patrick and Abner Uribe -- combined to mystify Chicago batters to the finish.
From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025
The power of movies to reveal, arouse and mystify is also very much on Oren’s mind, specifically the eccentric, transformative discipline of Foley artists: sound technicians who bend everyday objects into a new aural reality.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2023
This will mystify the guests, but perhaps make them realize that their beach outfits do not qualify.
From Washington Post • Jul. 4, 2022
That seemed to carry some weight, or else to mystify the bear sufficiently to make him pause.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
