baffle

1 of 3

verb

baf·​fle ˈba-fəl 

baffled; baffling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to defeat or check (someone) by confusing or puzzling : to confuse or frustrate completely : disconcert

Her behavior baffled her parents.

2

: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle (see baffle entry 2)

baffle the steam

bafflement

ˈba-fəl-mənt 

noun

baffler

ˈba-f(ə-)lər 

noun

baffle

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a device (such as a plate, wall, or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow or passage (as of a fluid, light, or sound)

bafflement

3 of 3

noun (2)

baf·​fle·​ment ˈba-fəl-mənt 

plural -s

1

: the action of baffling : the fact of being baffled

their best efforts met with persistent bafflement

2

: the state of being baffled : perplexity, confusion

she couldn't understand the meaning of all this and he gloated over her bafflement

—Adria Langley

Synonyms of baffle

Verb

• frustrate

Choose the Right Synonym for baffle

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal.

frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Examples of baffle in a Sentence

Verb

I was baffled by many of the scientific terms used in the article.

the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This new dating trend is leaving people baffled and heartbroken. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 9 June 2026

But he was baffled as to why people are now incensed over pickleball courts. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026

Noun

How Often To Clean A Range Hood Filter Range hood filters are standardly made of aluminum mesh, but some high-end models have steel or aluminum baffles. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 June 2026

Only $13, this squirrel baffle is a best-seller that has sold more than 5,000 times in the past month. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably alteration of Middle English (Scots) bawchillen to denounce, discredit publicly

Noun (1)

noun derivative of baffle entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1881, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for baffle

• raffle

Kids Definition

baffle

1 of 2 verb

baf·​fle ˈbaf-əl 

baffled; baffling ˈbaf-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to defeat or check by confusing : perplex

2

: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle

bafflement

-əl-mənt 

noun

baffler

-(ə)lər 

noun

baffle

2 of 2 noun

: a device (as a wall or screen) to turn aside, check, or regulate flow (as of a fluid, light, or sound)