flummox

[ fluhm-uhks ]

verb (used with object)

, Informal.

1. to bewilder; confound; confuse.

flummox

/ ˈflʌməks /

verb

1. tr to perplex or bewilder

Word History and Origins

Origin of flummox¹

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of flummox¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

So we are entirely flummoxed by this bizarre attempt to treat such a civic-minded endeavor as anything other than a genuine and committed effort to remove barriers that prevent people from getting vaccinated.

From MIT Technology Review

They’re flummoxed by boundaries, too, just from the other side.

From Washington Post

An array, which flummoxed Hawkins, is a model that students can use to master multiplication.

From Washington Post

In each of the past two postseasons, the Raptors and Heat have flummoxed Antetokounmpo by packing the paint and taking away his driving lanes.

From FiveThirtyEight

At rival Warner Media, the question of whether shows go to HBO or HBO Max has flummoxed some agents and creators.

From Washington Post

What wine to serve at Thanksgiving can flummox even the heartiest of gourmands.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• baffle
• bewilder
• confound
• discombobulate
• mystify
• nonplus
• perplex