befuddled

American  

[bih-fuhd-ld] / bɪˈfʌd ld /

adjective

1. 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.

2. puzzled or perplexed.

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

3. stupidly drunk.

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of befuddled

First recorded in 1830–40; befuddle + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; befuddle + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

When Jay goes on to paraphrase “Baldwin” on the subject of white racism, Leigh is befuddled: “Alec Baldwin’s black?” he sputters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

One zoomer Republican operative in Washington was befuddled at how Butterworth’s had become such a destination: “A bunch of conservatives just decided it would be our place and I don’t understand why.”

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

It's also about the players he has confused and bewildered with his ill-fitting shape and the ideology he refuses to alter no matter how befuddled things become.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

Producers and editors seem entirely befuddled by what to do with this new cast, unable to locate the line between organic intrigue and manufactured drama.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025

“I just have no sense of direction!” he said with exasperation, placing a hand on his cheek like a befuddled belle.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• baffled
• bewildered