befuddled

[ bih-fuhd-ld ]

/ bɪˈfʌd ld /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for befuddled on Thesaurus.com

adjective

confused or muddled: They claim this is the prevailing economic theory, taught in the best schools, and that I am a hopelessly befuddled fool for questioning it.

puzzled or perplexed: People often ask us—usually with a befuddled look on their face—"Why on earth are you doing this?"

stupidly drunk: I don't think he's sobered up at all—in fact, he looks almost frighteningly befuddled and out of it.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of befuddle.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of befuddled

befuddle + -ed² for the adjective senses; befuddle + -ed¹ for the verb sense

Words nearby befuddled

before you can say Jack Robinson, before you know it, befoul, befriend, befuddle, befuddled, beg, begad, began, begar, begat

How to use befuddled in a sentence

The ruins of an ancient town deep in the Kenyan forest have befuddled archaeologists and historians for decades.
Kenya Has Its Own Machu Picchu—the Lost Town of Gedi|Nina Strochlic|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Confusion over the catcher's eye black is just the tip of the iceberg for this befuddled limey.
Viral Video of the Day: Bad British MLB Commentary|Alex Chancey, Ben Teitelbaum|May 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Taken aback, toothpaste dribbling down my chin, I stood there befuddled, not quite sure what to do next.
Can a Jew Get Down With Hot Jesus from 'Son of God?'|Sara Lieberman|March 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He seemed befuddled the politics of the situation left no alternatives open for the GOP.
Senate Raises Debt Ceiling After GOP 'Dysfunction'|Ben Jacobs|February 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Fox News called him a “doleful hound,” while the Washington Post preferred the less stylized, “slightly befuddled-looking.”
The Taliban Trolled the Internet with a Dog Video and Upstaged an American POW|Brian Van Reet|February 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Why, she got befuddled in reciting something about an Indian uprising that came in our American History hour.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison
His wild escape—his coming to this unknown place—and now this befuddled young fellow intent upon battle with him.
Children of the Whirlwind|Leroy Scott
I can't make head or tail of them, and I think my brother is about as much befuddled as I am.
Children of the Whirlwind|Leroy Scott
Noll had been drinking that day; he was befuddled; his brain was thick.
The Sea Bride|Ben Ames Williams
He checked, searching his befuddled mind for a compelling threat.
Joan Thursday|Louis Joseph Vance

befuddled

Origin of befuddled

Words nearby befuddled

Words related to befuddled

How to use befuddled in a sentence