fuddle
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to muddle or confuse.
a jumble of sounds to fuddle the senses.
-
to make drunk; intoxicate.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
-
(tr; often passive) to cause to be confused or intoxicated
-
(intr) to drink excessively; tipple
noun
Other Word Forms
- unfuddled adjective
Etymology
Origin of fuddle
First recorded in 1580–90; origin uncertain
Explanation
Use the noun fuddle for a confused or jumbled state. It would be easier to find your favorite shoes if your closet weren't such a fuddle of clothes, boots, and bags. The more common befuddle comes from fuddle, which has a root meaning “worthless cloth,” and was originally defined as "work in a slovenly manner." As a verb, fuddle is used to mean "confuse or stupify." If you stay up all night studying for the math test, your lack of sleep may fuddle you so much that you can't remember all the formulas you tried to memorize!
Vocabulary lists containing fuddle
"The Odyssey," Vocabulary from Part 1 of the epic poem
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Vocabulary from Readings 1, Unit 1
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Vocabulary from Readings 1, Unit 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In colliding with a new type of animal, a chemical that might once have served to fuddle the wits of pests has been transformed into a glittering lure.
From Scientific American • Jun. 24, 2020
But Selby got Fu in a fuddle on the final red and went on to take a four-frame advantage at 6-2.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2017
The frothy fuddle with which he drops this kind of offbeat remark is the essence of Morgan's radio character.
From Time Magazine Archive
He bowed slightly, backed up to his chair, slumped into it in a complete fuddle.
From Time Magazine Archive
Come the Grants o' Tullochgorum, Wi' their pipers on afore 'em; Proud the mithers are that bore 'em, Fee fuddle, fau fum.
From The Book-Hunter A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author by Burton, John Hill
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
