Meaning & Definition of word "Baffle"

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    Baffle

    /ˈbafəl/

    noun:

    • 1. a device that slows down or redirects the flow of fluids or sound.
      • Example: The engineers designed a baffle to improve the acoustics of the concert hall.

    verb:

    • 1. to confuse or perplex; to be unable to understand or explain something.
      • Example: The magician's tricks never failed to baffle the audience.
    • 2. to restrain or block something, such as a physical object or a process.
      • Example: They installed a baffle to prevent water from flooding the basement.

    Etymology

    Derived from Middle English 'bafle' meaning to stammer or to confuse.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    baffle them with brilliance:

    to overwhelm someone with impressive skills or knowledge

    baffle the mind:

    to perplex or confuse someone to the point of frustration

    Related Words

    confuse:

    to make someone unable to think clearly

    perplex:

    to cause someone to feel puzzled or troubled

    bewilder:

    to cause someone to become confused or disoriented

    Slang Meanings of baffle

    Meaning: to throw someone off

    Example Sentence: That unexpected plot twist really baffled me!

    Meaning: to be totally lost

    Example Sentence: I was baffled by what they were talking about.