Baffle (Verb)
Meaning 1
Be a mystery or bewildering to; "This beats me!"; "Got me--I don't know the answer!"; "a vexing problem"; "This question really stuck me".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The complex mathematical equation baffled the student who had never seen anything like it before.
- The strange noise in the attic baffled the homeowner who couldn't find its source.
- The detective was baffled by the lack of evidence at the crime scene.
- The cryptic message baffled the codebreaker who was determined to decipher its meaning.
- The unusual side effects of the new medication baffled the researchers who were studying its impact.
Synonyms
- Perplex
- Bewilder
- Puzzle
- Pose
- Amaze
- Beat
- Flummox
- Get
- Stupefy
- Gravel
- Vex
- Mystify
- Stick
- Nonplus
- Dumbfound
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Meaning 2
Restrain the emission of (sound, fluid, etc.).
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The soundproof panels were designed to baffle the noise from the music room.
- Thermal insulation was used to baffle the heat escaping from the pipes.
- A heavy curtain was hung to baffle the noise from the traffic outside.
- Acoustic tiles were installed to baffle the sound waves in the recording studio.
- A silencer was added to the exhaust pipe to baffle the loud noise of the engine.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Meaning 3
Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; "What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge"; "foil your opponent".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The detective's thoroughness and keen instincts baffle the thieves at every turn.
- The complex plot twists in the novel baffle even the most avid mystery readers.
- Tight airport security continued to baffle the hijacker's attempts to breach the system.
- Her opponent's aggressive tactics failed to baffle Maria's determination to win the chess championship.
- Severe winter weather and poor visibility baffle the rescue team's efforts to locate the stranded hikers.