Boggle

/ˈbɒɡl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A state of confusion or bewilderment.
She was in a boggle after hearing the shocking news.
An act of boggling or being boggled.
The boggle in the room was evident as everyone tried to process what had happened.
verb
To be overwhelmed or bewildered, especially by something unexpected or difficult.
The complexity of the math problem boggled her mind.
To hesitate or be unwilling to accept something due to surprise or confusion.
He boggled at the outrageous claims made during the presentation.
To make someone unable to think clearly, usually due to surprise or confusion.
The unexpected news boggled him, leaving him speechless.

Etymology

Middle English 'boglen', meaning to hesitate or stammer.

Common Phrases and Expressions

boggle the mind
to be incredibly confusing or surprising.

Related Words

confusion
the state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind.
astonishment
great surprise or amazement.
bewilderment
a state of being perplexed and confused.

Slang Meanings

to freak out or be extremely surprised.
When I saw the surprise party, I totally boggled.
to be unable to comprehend something fully.
That math problem just boggled my brain.