Baffle

/ˈbafəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a device that slows down or redirects the flow of fluids or sound.
The engineers designed a baffle to improve the acoustics of the concert hall.
verb
to confuse or perplex; to be unable to understand or explain something.
The magician's tricks never failed to baffle the audience.
to restrain or block something, such as a physical object or a process.
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

to throw someone off
That unexpected plot twist really baffled me!
to be totally lost
I was baffled by what they were talking about.