bamboozle

verb

bam·​boo·​zle bam-ˈbü-zəl How to pronounce bamboozle (audio)
bamboozled; bamboozling bam-ˈbüz-liŋ How to pronounce bamboozle (audio)
-ˈbü-zə-

transitive verb

1
: to deceive by underhanded methods : dupe, hoodwink
I got bamboozled by the salesperson to buy a more expensive model.
2
: to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely
a quarterback bamboozled by an unexpected defense
bamboozlement noun

Did you know?

In 1710, Irish author Jonathan Swift wrote an article on "the continual Corruption of our English Tongue" in which he complained of "the Choice of certain Words invented by some pretty Fellows." Among the inventions Swift disliked was bamboozle, which was used by contemporary criminals. Other than that, the origin of bamboozle remains a mystery, but the word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech ... are the first perishing Parts in any Language."

Examples of bamboozle in a Sentence

bamboozled by con men into buying worthless land in the desert I'm completely bamboozled by the latest changes in the tax code
Recent Examples on the Web The first goal of the night was a microcosm of Mbappé’s skillset – exploding down the left side of the pitch before bamboozling his defender with some quick feet before lashing it across goal into the bottom corner in the 15th minute. Ben Morse, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Fans willing to overlook the obvious vapidity of director Rob Reiner, a hostile Democrat-progressive zealot, prove that some conservatives are bamboozled by liberalism’s kindly pretense. Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024 Much of the criticism of Ms. Swift, meanwhile, seems tinged with condescension, suggesting that a 33-year-old female pop star is a gullible naïf, ripe for bamboozling by political operators. James Poniewozik, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2024 But, as the FDA's focus group already established, soy-milk drinkers aren't being bamboozled. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Sep. 2023 The youngest generation is bamboozling its elders with terms all their own. Linda Marx, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 Milli Vanilli’s fanbase felt bamboozled to the point of suing the musicians for fraud and racketeering, and the media crucified Milli Vanilli daily, with coverage of the reveal ranging from hypercritical to flat-out mocking. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 27 Oct. 2023 Gay actors are bamboozled into invasive, distasteful postures the same way black actors are bamboozled into defensiveness. Armond White, National Review, 9 Aug. 2023 The press, bamboozled by the U.S. government, had shown little interest in the case. Jane Perlez, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bamboozle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bamboozle was in 1703

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Dictionary Entries Near bamboozle

Cite this Entry

“Bamboozle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bamboozle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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