Meaning & Definition of word "Confound"
to
Confound
/kənˈfaʊnd/
verb:
- 1. to cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by not according with their expectations.
- Example: The sudden arrival of the unexpected guest confounded everyone at the party.
- 2. to mix up (things) so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish.
- Example: The two identical twins often confound their teachers and classmates.
- 3. to prove (someone) wrong; to refute.
- Example: The scientist confounded her critics with her groundbreaking research findings.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Old French 'confondre', from Latin 'confundere' meaning 'to pour together'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
Confound it!:
An exclamation of frustration or annoyance.
Confound the odds!:
To achieve something unexpected against the odds.
Related Words
confused:
Being unable to think clearly; bewildered.
bewilder:
To cause someone to become perplexed and confused.
perplex:
To make someone feel completely baffled.
Slang Meanings of confound
Meaning: To mess with someone's mind.
Example Sentence: That movie really confounded me!
Meaning: To throw someone off their game.
Example Sentence: The sudden change in plans confounded him.