verb Uncommon

wilder

WIHL-duh

Wilder (verb) means to confuse or perplex someone, as if lost in wild, unfamiliar territory. Example: “The maze of corridors wildered every new visitor to the building.”

verb

To confuse or perplex someone, as if lost in wild, unfamiliar territory.

"The maze of corridors wildered every new visitor to the building."

How to use wilder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old verb meaning to confuse or bewilder — now rare, surviving mainly inside the more common word "bewilder."

When to use it

Archaic and rarely used on its own today; "bewilder" is the everyday version.

Easily confused with

bewilder →

Word forms

wildered past tense, Wilders plural, wilders singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The maze of corridors _____ every new visitor to the building.

Etymology

From "wild," likely shaped by the word "wilderness" and influenced by "wander."

Frequently asked questions

What does “wilder” mean?

The word “wilder” means to confuse or perplex someone, as if lost in wild, unfamiliar territory. In plain terms, an old verb meaning to confuse or bewilder — now rare, surviving mainly inside the more common word "bewilder.".

How do you pronounce “wilder”?

“Wilder” is pronounced WIHL-duh (/ˈwɪldɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “wilder” in a sentence?

Here is “wilder” used in a sentence: “The maze of corridors wildered every new visitor to the building.”

What part of speech is “wilder”?

“Wilder” is a verb.

Is “wilder” a common word?

“Wilder” is an uncommon word in modern English.