verb

baffle

Baffle (verb) means to confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle.

verb

To confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle.

To defeat, frustrate, or thwart (someone or their efforts, plans, etc.); to confound, to foil.

Of weather or wind: to hinder or prevent (a ship or its crew) from advancing.

To dampen, muffle, restrain, or otherwise control (a fluid, or waves travelling through a fluid such as light or sound).

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Etymology

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”)

Rhymes for baffle

waffle raffle

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of baffle?

"baffle" (verb) means to confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle.

What are the different meanings of baffle?

"baffle" has 3 main meanings: 1. To confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle; 2. To defeat, frustrate, or thwart (someone or their efforts, plans, etc.); to confound, to foil; 3. Of weather or wind: to hinder or prevent (a ship or its crew) from advancing.