baffle

1 of 2

verb

baf·​fle ˈba-fəl 

baffled; baffling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to defeat or check (someone) by confusing or puzzling : to confuse or frustrate completely : disconcert

Her behavior baffled her parents.

2

: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle (see baffle entry 2)

baffle the steam

bafflement

ˈba-fəl-mənt 

noun

baffler

ˈba-f(ə-)lər 

noun

baffle

2 of 2

noun

: a device (such as a plate, wall, or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow or passage (as of a fluid, light, or sound)

Synonyms

Verb

• balk
• beat
• checkmate
• discomfit
• foil
• frustrate
• thwart

Choose the Right Synonym for baffle

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal.

frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Examples of baffle in a Sentence

Verb

I was baffled by many of the scientific terms used in the article.

the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Amid the fallout over Donald Trump‘s recent rally, John Oliver is baffled at the former president’s apparent response to backlash from Puerto Ricans. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

Karen Swift’s mysterious and violent death had remained unresolved for more than a decade, and Ashley, then 20, was baffled by her father’s arrest. —Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 2 Nov. 2024

Noun

Higher-end down comforters and inserts have baffle boxes, a grid-like layer of one-inch-high fabric walls that slip between and are stitched to top and bottom layers, forming square chambers. —Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024

It’s equipped with baffles that keep the down filling distributed evenly, and on colder nights, the adjustable hood can cinch tight for a snug fit. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably alteration of Middle English (Scots) bawchillen to denounce, discredit publicly

Noun

noun derivative of baffle entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

baffle

1 of 2 verb

baf·​fle ˈbaf-əl 

baffled; baffling ˈbaf-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to defeat or check by confusing : perplex

2

: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle

bafflement

-əl-mənt 

noun

baffler

-(ə)lər 

noun

baffle

2 of 2 noun

: a device (as a wall or screen) to turn aside, check, or regulate flow (as of a fluid, light, or sound)