boggle

American  

[bog-uhl] / ˈbɒg əl /

verb (used with object)

boggled, boggling

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

   The speed of light boggles the mind.

2. to bungle; botch.

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verb (used without object)

boggled, boggling

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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• bogglingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of boggle

First recorded in 1590–1600; perhaps from bogle

Example Sentences

Skip boggling digital noise machines with 50+ whale sounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

His latest act of brilliance, trading Taylor Ward for an injured pitcher who hasn’t played for well over a year, is mind boggling.

From Los Angeles Times

"Forgive me if I'm wrong, and I might be, but some of these decisions are so hard to take. Mind boggling," the 27-year-old posted on X, external.

From BBC

“To have hired an active lobbyist for Crypto.com at the highest ranks of our organization is so inappropriate it boggles my mind.”

From Los Angeles Times

What possessed the stadium 'entertainment' people to play Sweet Caroline as Ryan was being tended to boggles the mind.

From BBC

Related Words

• astound
• flabbergast
• startle