bamboozle

verb

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

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 If, in the first movie, Arthur was the shy, weird loser rejected by all women, now he’s being bamboozled by one. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024 Just four minutes later, the Argentine had his second, bamboozling the Philadelphia defense to prod the ball into the net from an almost identical position. Issy Ronald, CNN, 15 Sep. 2024 Gutierrez also concluded jurors were bamboozled by plaintiffs’ expert testimony that, to determine market prices, incorporated hypothetical scenarios. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2024 The team’s diverse spin attack – the three-pronged approach of Khan, Nabi and Noor Ahmad – has left opposing batters bamboozled, while its opening pairing of Gurbaz and Zadran have given it promising starts to games. Ben Morse, CNN, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for bamboozle 

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 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

bamboozle

verb
bam·​boo·​zle
bam-ˈbü-zəl
bamboozled; bamboozling
1
: to deceive by trickery : hoodwink
2
: to confuse, frustrate, or throw off completely

More from Merriam-Webster on bamboozle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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