bamboozle
verb
bam·boo·zle
bam-ˈbü-zəl 
bamboozled; bamboozling
bam-ˈbüz-liŋ,
-ˈbü-zə-
1
: to deceive by underhanded methods : dupe, hoodwink
I got bamboozled by the salesperson to buy a more expensive model.
2
: to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely
a quarterback bamboozled by an unexpected defense
Did you know?
In 1710, Irish author Jonathan Swift wrote an article on "the continual Corruption of our English Tongue" in which he complained of "the Choice of certain Words invented by some pretty Fellows." Among the inventions Swift disliked was bamboozle, which was used by contemporary criminals. Other than that, the origin of bamboozle remains a mystery, but the word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech ... are the first perishing Parts in any Language."
Synonyms
Examples of bamboozle in a Sentence
bamboozled by con men into buying worthless land in the desert
I'm completely bamboozled by the latest changes in the tax code
Recent Examples on the Web
But a couple of feints and some decent movement from Soucek bamboozled Kelly, who lost his man, allowing the Czech Republic international to direct a free header into the right-hand corner of the net from an Emerson Palmieri corner.
—
Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
But they’ve been bamboozled by Minnesota’s swarming defense, size advantage and deeper bench and now have to beat rising star Anthony Edwards four times in five tries to make it to the Western Conference finals.
—Arnie Stapleton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Otto Hightower – 3 points The grandson Otto installed as king is overruling him in front of the people and getting bamboozled into ousting him as Hand by a man who trades secrets in exchange for lustful glances at Otto’s daughter’s toes.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 16 June 2024
If, in the first movie, Arthur was the shy, weird loser rejected by all women, now he’s being bamboozled by one.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bamboozle 
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Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
But they’ve been bamboozled by Minnesota’s swarming defense, size advantage and deeper bench and now have to beat rising star Anthony Edwards four times in five tries to make it to the Western Conference finals.
—Arnie Stapleton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Otto Hightower – 3 points The grandson Otto installed as king is overruling him in front of the people and getting bamboozled into ousting him as Hand by a man who trades secrets in exchange for lustful glances at Otto’s daughter’s toes.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 16 June 2024
If, in the first movie, Arthur was the shy, weird loser rejected by all women, now he’s being bamboozled by one.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bamboozle
Dictionary Entries Near bamboozle
Cite this Entry
“Bamboozle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bamboozle. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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