baffle

1 of 2

verb

baf·​fle ˈba-fəl How to pronounce baffle (audio)
baffled; baffling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffle (audio)

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
bafflement noun
baffler noun

baffle

2 of 2

noun

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

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
He’s parked himself at the counter and seems truly baffled by the 30 tubs of flavors. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2024 Minutes later, they were swarmed by a group of people who were excitedly taking pictures with Davis' new acquaintance, further baffling him. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
It’s designed to protect waterfowl hunters who often meet wind, rain and snow, thanks to its stitch-free baffles coupled with warm, high-loft synthetic insulation, and waterproof, windproof, ripstop DWR outer material. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Outside Online, 17 Sep. 2024 Kelty keeps the price low (and volume and weight high) by stuffing the 20D nylon mummy’s trapezoidal baffles with cost-effective 550-fill hydrophobic DriDown. Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for baffle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'baffle.' 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

Verb

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

Noun

noun derivative of baffle entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baffle was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near baffle

Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffle. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

baffle

1 of 2 verb
baf·​fle ˈbaf-əl How to pronounce baffle (audio)
baffled; baffling ˈbaf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffle (audio)
1
: to defeat or check by confusing : perplex
2
: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
bafflement noun
baffler noun

baffle

2 of 2 noun
: a device (as a wall or screen) to turn aside, check, or regulate flow (as of a fluid, light, or sound)

More from Merriam-Webster on baffle

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