be·fud·dle

[bih-fuhd-l]
verb (used with object), be·fud·dled, be·fud·dling.
1.
to confuse, as with glib statements or arguments: politicians befuddling the public with campaign promises.
2.
to make stupidly drunk.

Origin:
1885–90; be- + fuddle

be·fud·dler, noun
be·fud·dle·ment, noun


1. perplex, bewilder, baffle, daze, muddle.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
befuddle (bɪˈfʌdəl) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to confuse, muddle, or perplex
2.  to make stupid with drink
 
be'fuddlement
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Befuddle is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

befuddle
1887, from be- + fuddle. Originally to confuse with strong drink. An earlier word in the same sense was begunk (1725).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
At the other end of the spectrum are blockhead reviewers who befuddle authors and mishandle manuscripts.
The attentions of the outside world seem to befuddle him even today.
Large businesses have protections and laws that befuddle the senses.
It's an art that can befuddle even technically adept people.
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