Main Entry:

¹baf·fle

Pronunciation:

\ˈba-fəl\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

baf·fled; baf·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology:

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

Date:

1675

1 : to defeat or check (as a person) by confusing or puzzling : disconcert 2 : to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle

synonyms see frustrate

— baf·fle·ment \-fəl-mənt\ noun

— baf·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun

— baf·fling·ly \ˈba-fliŋ-lē\ adverb