Meaning & Definition of word "Confound"

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.