mystify
Use Mystify in a sentence
təˌfaɪ verb (used with object), mys·ti·fied, mys·ti·fy·ing.
1.
to perplex (a person) by playing upon the person's credulity; bewilder purposely.
2.
to involve in mystery or obscurity.
Origin:
1805–15; < French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic or mystère mystery1) + -fier -fy
1805–15; < French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic or mystère mystery1) + -fier -fy
Related forms
mys·ti·fi·ca·tion, noun
mys·ti·fied·ly, adverb
mys·ti·fi·er, noun
mys·ti·fy·ing·ly, adverb
o·ver·mys·ti·fi·ca·tion, noun
o·ver·mys·ti·fy, verb (used with object), o·ver·mys·ti·fied, o·ver·mys·ti·fy·ing.
un·mys·ti·fied, adjective
Synonyms
1. fool, mislead, elude, puzzle.
1. fool, mislead, elude, puzzle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To mystify
00:10
Mystify
is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
| an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle. |
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
mystify (ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb , -fies, -fying, -fied | |
| 1. | to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle |
| 2. | to make mysterious or obscure |
| [C19: from French mystifier, from mystère | |
| mystifi'cation | |
| —n | |
| 'mystifier | |
| —n | |
| 'mystifying | |
| —adj | |
| 'mystifyingly | |
| —adv | |
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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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
mystify
1814, from Fr. mystifier (1772), a verb formed irregularly from mystique "a mystic," from L. mysticus (see mystic). Related: Mystified; mystifying.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
Current notices are not being read and simply confuse and mystify the few plan participants who try to follow them.
We believe that historians should clarify and explain rather than mystify and confuse.
But the truth is that many of its properties still mystify scientists.
Uncle's disappearance continues to mystify his devotees.
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