mystify

[mis-tuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

mystified, mystifying 

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

   The judge's decision in this case completely mystifies me, given all the evidence.

2. 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

3. to involve in mystery or obscurity.

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

mystify

/ ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle

2. to make mysterious or obscure

Other Word Forms

• mystifyingly adverb
• mystifying adjective
• mystification noun
• mystifier noun
• mystifiedly adverb
• overmystify verb (used with object)
• unmystified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystify¹

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. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystify¹

C19: from French mystifier, from mystère _mystery ¹ or mystique _mystic

Example Sentences

Its translucent-white flesh — which is soft yet has a bite to it — tastes mystifying: floral with notes of rose, pear and strawberry.

From Salon

It’s an intriguing addition to the canon, but for mere mortals who haven’t survived abusive, plagiaristic and mystifying advisors to earn Oxbridge degrees — or even just bad bosses — it might be unrelatable.

From Los Angeles Times

As warmer spotlights go, “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” may never fully expunge what maddens and mystifies about the untimely end of troubled souls.

From Los Angeles Times

In the weeks since, she’s only doubled down with mystifying half-comments and quotes of questionable veracity in other publications.

From Salon

But the artistic change of direction that it represented, and the angst-ridden nature of some of its tracks, mystified many listeners.

From BBC

Related Words

• baffle 
• confound 
• deceive 
• perplex 
• puzzle 
• stump