baffle

verb

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baf·fle | \ ˈba-fəl

baffled; baffling\ ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ

Definition of baffle

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

baffle

noun

Definition of baffle (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from baffle Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about baffle

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Synonyms & Antonyms for baffle

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Verb

Choose the Right Synonym for baffle

Verb

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 In interviews with conservative-leaning media, last month, her offbeat tale suggesting ballots were being smuggled inside food vans seemed to baffle even Fox Business host Lou Dobbs. — Teo Armus, Washington Post, "Trump campaign’s star witness in Michigan was deemed ‘not credible.’ Then, her loud testimony went viral.," 3 Dec. 2020 Even unobscured objects can baffle computers when seen in unusual orientations: in one paper a motorbike was classified as a parachute or a bobsled. — The Economist, "Automobiles Driverless cars show the limits of today’s AI," 13 June 2020 In an interview, Phillips said he was baffled that FEMA would approve Wexler’s deal. — Ryan Gabrielson, ProPublica, "A Closer Look at Federal COVID Contractors Reveals Inexperience, Fraud Accusations and a Weapons Dealer Operating Out of Someone’s House," 30 May 2020 Last month, Mark Armstrong said he and his brother were baffled at the interest in the sales of their property. — Anne Saker, Cincinnati.com, "Sold! Latest auction brings totals from Neil Armstrong's belongings to $14.69 million," 19 Nov. 2019 Friends who spoke at Coleman’s hearing said they were baffled by his crimes. — Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, "Why did former Highland Heights mayor Scott Coleman steal more than $160,000 in campaign money from Dave Joyce?," 18 Oct. 2019 While Prokofiev spent a number of productive years in Paris in the ‘20s, he was baffled by the esteem of the younger French composers. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Symphony’s wind players shine in East County ECHO chamber recital," 29 Sep. 2019 Black family members and friends have told me upon their first visits to campus they are baffled by the stark lack of diversity. — Shannon Ryan, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Notre Dame’s mascots are breaking barriers. They should be celebrated — not trolled.," 10 Sep. 2019 Jamie Carragher has revealed that he is still baffled as to why in 2008, then Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez signed Robbie Keane from Tottenham. — SI.com, "Jamie Carragher Admits He's Still Baffled by Liverpool's Decision to Sign Robbie Keane," 28 July 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun That could explain why a case that took place more than a century ago continues to baffle crime experts to this day. — Erin Moriarty, CBS News, "Did a suspect hide blood evidence in plain sight?," 26 Mar. 2020 An obtrusive light baffle installed by Ove Arup 20 years ago has now been swept away by the ingenious lighting system of George Sexton Associates. — Michael J. Lewis, WSJ, "Rothko in a New Light," 9 Dec. 2020 When the history books are written about this pandemic, the blind insistence on playing sports as the virus spreads uncontrolled and deaths surge will sure baffle future scholars. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Before you ‘boo hoo’ the 49ers, think beyond the millionaires on Arizona ‘island’," 3 Dec. 2020 The baffle-box design keeps the down fill in place too, while the cotton sateen shell is crisp and cool. — Courtney Thompson, CNN Underscored, "The snuggliest blankets to wrap yourself up in this year," 5 Nov. 2020 From day one, ever since the chapel opened in 1971, the skylight had to be covered, most recently with a looming black baffle. — Hilarie Sheets, ELLE Decor, "The New-and-Improved Rothko Chapel Shines a Fresh Light on the Art," 30 Oct. 2020 The baffle is now gone, simultaneously opening up and brightening the space. — Emma Balter, Condé Nast Traveler, "Houston’s Rothko Chapel Reopens After Months of Renovations," 24 Sep. 2020 Taven Bryan continues to baffle coaches and teammates. — Mark Long, orlandosentinel.com, "Beleaguered Jaguars dealing with more injuries on defense," 5 Oct. 2020 The last iteration, an inelegant, umbrella-like baffle that stretched over the skylight and hung low in the room, beamed light out from its center and edges. — Emma Balter, Condé Nast Traveler, "Houston’s Rothko Chapel Reopens After Months of Renovations," 24 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baffle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.