bamboozled

American  

[bam-boo-zuhld] / bæmˈbu zəld /

adjective

1. deceived through trickery, flattery, or the like; hoodwinked.

   He feels there’s been a cover-up by the manufacturer and it’s his duty to bring it to the attention of a bamboozled public.

2. perplexed, mystified, or confused.

   I must have had a very bamboozled look on my face, because she gave me an impatient "What’s your problem, lady?"

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bamboozle.

Etymology

Origin of bamboozled

bamboozle ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Young adults aren’t confused or bamboozled by the risks they’re taking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

He has a well-earned reputation among journalists as a perpetual skeptic, someone who refuses to be bamboozled by hype, cope, spin, and anything in between.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2025

"I was bamboozled," she says, her eyes wide with shock.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

As I neared the end, I felt bamboozled because there were at least two massive archways that looked like the finish line, but actually weren’t.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2025

“Did I invite you? Or was it more like I bamboozled you?”

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds