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