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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- wilders
- Past tense
- wildered
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."
Rhymes for wilder
See all rhymes for wilder →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.
