boggle

[ bog-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, bog·gled, bog·gling.

1. to overwhelm or bewilder, as with magnitude, complexity, or strangeness:

   The speed of light boggles the mind.

2. to bungle; botch.

verb (used without object)

, bog·gled, bog·gling.

1. to hesitate or waver because of scruples, fear, etc.
2. to start or jump with fear, alarm, or surprise; shrink; shy.
3. to bungle awkwardly.
4. to be overwhelmed or bewildered.

noun

1. an act of shying or taking alarm.
2. a mess; a bungle or botch.
3. Archaic. a scruple; demur; hesitation.

boggle

/ ˈbɒɡəl /

verb

1. to be surprised, confused, or alarmed (esp in the phrase the mind boggles )
2. to hesitate or be evasive when confronted with a problem
3. tr to baffle; bewilder; puzzle

Other Words From

• boggling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of boggle¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; perhaps from bogle

Word History and Origins

Origin of boggle¹

C16: probably variant of bogle ¹

Example Sentences

If there were a Boggle World Championship, I would play in it.

From Quanta Magazine

When placed side-by-side, the horrors of the Palestinian propaganda machine begin to boggle the mind.

From The Daily Beast

There was Boggle, the tooth fairy, Sesame Street, family pets, and school plays.

From The Daily Beast

I did not boggle at his slave-dealing, but took him on the spot.

From Project Gutenberg

I see, when a woman has a mind to't, she'll never boggle at a sin.

From Project Gutenberg

You needn't boggle at it; it's honest got and earned, long before this other racket.

From Project Gutenberg

However you would immediately require some specimen of my skill; and at that indeed I might boggle a little.

From Project Gutenberg

The time to think of risks was gone by; the time to boggle over what honor allowed or forbade had never come to Rupert of Hentzau.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• astound
• flabbergast
• startle