mystify
[ mis-tuh-fahy ]
/ ˈmɪs təˌfaɪ /
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verb (used with object), mys·ti·fied, mys·ti·fy·ing.
to perplex (a person) by playing upon the person's credulity; bewilder purposely.
to involve in mystery or obscurity.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of mystify
OTHER WORDS FROM mystify
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use mystify in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for mystify
mystify
/ (ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)
to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
to make mysterious or obscure
Derived forms of mystify
mystification, nounmystifier, nounmystifying, adjectivemystifyingly, adverbWord Origin for mystify
C19: from French mystifier, from mystère mystery 1 or mystique mystic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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