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View synonyms for baffle

baffle

[ baf-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, baf·fled, baf·fling.
  1. to confuse, bewilder, or perplex:

    He was baffled by the technical language of the instructions.

  2. to frustrate or confound; thwart by creating confusion or bewilderment.
  3. to check or deflect the movement of (sound, light, fluids, etc.).
  4. to equip with a baffle or baffles.
  5. Obsolete. to cheat; trick.


verb (used without object)

, baf·fled, baf·fling.
  1. to struggle ineffectually, as a ship in a gale.

noun

  1. something that balks, checks, or deflects.
  2. an artificial obstruction for checking or deflecting the flow of gases (as in a boiler), sounds (as in the loudspeaker system of a radio or hi-fi set), light (as in a darkroom), etc.
  3. any boxlike enclosure or flat panel for mounting a loudspeaker.

baffle

/ ˈbæfəl /

verb

  1. to perplex; bewilder; puzzle
  2. to frustrate (plans, efforts, etc)
  3. to check, restrain, or regulate (the flow of a fluid or the emission of sound or light)
  4. to provide with a baffle
  5. obsolete.
    to cheat or trick


noun

  1. Also calledbaffle boardbaffle plate a plate or mechanical device designed to restrain or regulate the flow of a fluid, the emission of light or sound, or the distribution of sound, esp in a loudspeaker or microphone

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Derived Forms

  • ˈbaffler, noun
  • ˈbafflement, noun

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Other Words From

  • baf·fle·ment noun
  • baf·fler noun
  • baf·fling adjective
  • baf·fling·ly adverb
  • baf·fling·ness noun
  • un·baf·fling adjective
  • un·baf·fling·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of baffle1

First recorded in 1540–50; 1910–15 baffle fordef 8; perhaps from Scots bauchle “to disgrace, treat with contempt,” equivalent to bauch ( baff ) + -le

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Word History and Origins

Origin of baffle1

C16: perhaps from Scottish dialect bachlen to condemn publicly; perhaps related to French bafouer to disgrace

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Synonym Study

See thwart.

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Example Sentences

This hidden Eden continues to baffle geologists with its oculus of volcanic stone.

That decision continues to baffle some law enforcement officials nearly two decades later.

With only two young witnesses, no clear motive, and no identified suspect, the case continues to baffle authorities.

It was no good to set broad goals for agencies: those goals tended to contradict each other—or else to baffle the agency itself.

The singer-actress admits the debate continues to offend and baffle her.

It was Carmena, every nerve of her loyal nature on the alert to baffle this pursuer of Alessandro and Ramona.

We went from office to office, where everything seemed designed to baffle suitors conducting their own cases.

Its limitless deeps reveal themselves to us, and yet baffle our gaze: close themselves against research, but open to conjecture.

Thanks to the darkness and the water, you baffle the hounds, both animal and human.

Both could blight the promise of the harvest, baffle the plans of their enemies, or wither the health of their victims.

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Baffin Islandbaffled