baffle

baffle

verb

Definition of BAFFLE

1

to prevent from achieving a goal <the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference>

Synonyms baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, thwart

Related Words bar, block, clog, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel; arrest, check, halt, set back, short-circuit, stall, stop; avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent; negate, neutralize, nullify; counteract, offset; conquer, defeat, overcome

Near Antonyms abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth

Antonyms advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote

2

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty <she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy>

Synonyms addle, baffle, bamboozle, beat, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, buffalo, confound, discombobulate, disorient, flummox, fox, fuddle, get, gravel, maze, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, pose, puzzle, vex

Related Words stick, stump, weird out; abash, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle; agitate, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, stun, unhinge, unsettle, upset; beguile, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misguide, mislead, snow, string along, take in, trick

Near Antonyms assure, reassure, satisfy; enlighten, inform