The origin of the verb is uncertain; it is possibly: * from French bafouer, baffoüer (“to abuse, revile; to confuse, baffle; to deceive; to flout; to scorn”), imitative of someone making a disdainful sound by expelling air quickly through pouted lips (compare Occitan baf (interjection expressing disdain)); or * from French befer, beffer, beffler (“(obsolete) to deceive; to mock, ridicule”) (compare Old French befe, beffe, buffe (“deception; mockery”); beferie (“deceit; quibbling”)), possibly from bafouer: see above. The noun is derived from the verb. Cognates * Italian beffare (“(verb) to deride, mock”), beffa (“(noun) banter; mockery”) * Occitan bafar (“(verb) to deride, mock”), bafa (“(noun) banter; mockery”) * Old Spanish bafa (modern Spanish befa (“(noun) banter; mockery”)) * Spanish befar (“(verb) to deride, mock”)

Synonyms

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mystify get bilk foil beat amaze frustrate bewilder dumbfound gravel flummox cross

Antonyms

clarify enlighten

Related words

get hit police round fall attack cross beat

Rhymes for baffle

waffle raffle

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of baffle?

"baffle" (verb) means to leave someone completely confused, unable to work something out.

What is another word for baffle?

Other words for "baffle" include mystify, get, bilk, foil, beat, amaze.

What is the opposite of baffle?

Opposites of "baffle" include clarify, enlighten.

What are the different meanings of baffle?

"baffle" has 3 main meanings: 1. To leave someone completely confused, unable to work something out; 2. To stop someone's plans or efforts from succeeding; 3. (nautical) Of wind or weather, to make it difficult for a ship to make headway.

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