Fox (Verb)
Meaning 1
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly; "These questions confuse even the experts"; "This question completely threw me"; "This question befuddled even the teacher".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The complex plot twists managed to fox even the most experienced mystery novel readers.
- Her vague admissions foxed me, and I failed to understand what she truly wanted.
- The math problems were so intricate they completely foxed the other contestants.
- The philosopher's opaque explanations foxed her devoted students for years.
- That intricate logic puzzle used to fox anyone who did not have practice tackling them.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Become discolored with, or as if with, mildew spots.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The pages of the old book had begun to fox with age, their white surfaces speckled with brown spots.
- After years of being stored in a damp attic, the antique fabric had begun to fox and show signs of decay.
- As the water seeped into the walls, the wallpaper started to fox, its vibrant colors muted by unsightly stains.
- If the painting wasn't properly varnished, it would eventually begin to fox, ruining the artist's original intent.
- The foxing on the map's surface seemed to be a result of its being handled by countless recipients over the years.
Related Words
Meaning 3
Deceive somebody; "We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She tried to fox her brother into doing her homework for her again.
- The politician was found guilty of attempting to fox voters with his false promises.
- The thief foxed the security guard by creating a diversion.
- He almost foxed me into investing in that scam by using convincing language.
- The company foxed customers into signing a two-year contract without clearly stating the terms.