Synonyms

mystify

American

[mis-tuh-fahy] / ˈmɪs təˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

to perplex, puzzle, or baffle; defy the understanding of.

The judge's decision in this case completely mystifies me, given all the evidence.
to perplex (a person) by playing upon their ignorance, gullibility, or naiveté; bewilder purposely.

It's the perfect propaganda to mystify and demoralize voters.

Synonyms:

puzzle, elude, mislead, fool
to involve in mystery or obscurity.

These vague terms serve only to further mystify the concept for readers.

mystify British

/ ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
to make mysterious or obscure

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of mystify

First recorded in 1805–15; from French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic ( def. ) or mystère mystery ¹ ( def. ) ) + -fier -fy ( def. )

Explanation

If something totally stumps you, doesn't make one lick of sense and has no logical explanation, then it's safe to say it mystifies you. To mystify is a verb that sounds not so mysteriously like mystery. That's because something that mystifies is just that. There's no answer or explanation to be found for it. If you're mystified, you're in awe and bewilderment. The infinite nature of the universe mystifies some people. Others are mystified by the appeal of teen sensations from Ricky Nelson to Justin Bieber.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So far, this election has been light on the specifics, but the state faces real problems — from a failing healthcare system to gas prices that literally mystify even lawmakers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

The Cubs, meanwhile, managed only one hit after the third inning as four Brewers relievers -- Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, rookie Chad Patrick and Abner Uribe -- combined to mystify Chicago batters to the finish.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

Here, senior writer Mary Elizabeth Williams amps up the classic with an unexpected ingredient that adds a sharp, bright note that will both mystify and satisfy.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2022

For reasons that mystify me, the National Council of Teachers of English thinks this is just the moment to “move beyond the exclusive focus on traditional reading and writing competencies.”

From Washington Post • May 1, 2022

That seemed to carry some weight, or else to mystify the bear sufficiently to make him pause.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023