befuddle

[bih-fuhd-l]

verb (used with object)

befuddled, befuddling 

1. to confuse, as with glib statements or arguments.

   politicians befuddling the public with campaign promises.

   Synonyms: muddle, daze, baffle, bewilder, perplex

2. to make stupidly drunk.

befuddle

/ bɪˈfʌdəl /

verb

1. to confuse, muddle, or perplex

2. to make stupid with drink

Other Word Forms

• befuddler noun
• befuddlement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of befuddle¹

First recorded in 1885–90; be- + fuddle

Example Sentences

Alcaraz told befuddled reporters after the match that he “had to do something” about his hair and beard, so he flew in his personal barber.

From Los Angeles Times

The defeated opposition, the Democratic Party, seemed distinctly befuddled and weak.

From Salon

It hasn’t been just Hong who has found himself befuddled by his disappearing and reappearing plane.

From Los Angeles Times

That anyone remembers he played at all is both flattering and befuddling for Ardell, who receives about a dozen autograph requests in the mail each year.

From Los Angeles Times

It portrayed the star as the well-meaning, frequently befuddled patriarch of an unruly household.

From BBC

Related Words

• baffle 
• bewilder 
• daze 
• disorient 
• distract 
• dumbfound 
• fluster 
• intoxicate 
• muddle 
• puzzle 
• stupefy