mystify
to perplex, puzzle, or baffle; defy the understanding of: The judge's decision in this case completely mystifies me, given all the evidence.
to perplex (a person) by playing upon their ignorance, gullibility, or naiveté; bewilder purposely: It's the perfect propaganda to mystify and demoralize voters.
to involve in mystery or obscurity: These vague terms serve only to further mystify the concept for readers.
Origin of mystify
1Other words for mystify
Other words from mystify
- mys·ti·fi·ca·tion [mis-tuh-fi-key-shuhn], /ˌmɪs tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən/, noun
- mys·ti·fied·ly, adverb
- mys·ti·fi·er, noun
- mys·ti·fy·ing·ly, adverb
- o·ver·mys·ti·fy, verb (used with object), o·ver·mys·ti·fied, o·ver·mys·ti·fy·ing.
- un·mys·ti·fied, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use mystify in a sentence
I was a little mystified at how benignly he responded to my questions about his business activities.
I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 | Vicky Ward | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTAll were genuinely shocked and mystified when they finally learned, on Sept. 4, that I was not covered by MagnaCare.
My Insurance Company Killed Me, Despite Obamacare | Malcolm MacDougall | November 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIndeed, he is respectfully mystified by the almost religious devotion Morrissey inspires.
This Charming Man: Meet 'Ronnissey,' Brooklyn's Fake Morrissey | Michael Moynihan | September 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe usually uninformed American citizens can be forgiven for being mystified by the Mideast policy prescriptions of their leaders.
Here's How to Dig Out of This 'Stupid Sh*t' U.S. Foreign Policy | Leslie H. Gelb | August 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe whole affair meanwhile has mystified longtime Hill insiders and ethics watchdogs.
Could an Obscure Ethics Rule Endanger Republican Star Cathy McMorris Rodgers? | David Freedlander | February 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
He led the way down to the ground floor, while they followed him, mystified, and into the elevator again.
The Woman Gives | Owen JohnsonNevertheless, mystified as he was, he concealed the details of their trip under an evasive answer when he returned to his room.
The Woman Gives | Owen JohnsonLiosha, although accepting my apology, had sat mystified; also profoundly disturbed by Jaffery's unconcealed agitation.
Jaffery | William J. LockeThe men were mystified, but wine and rhetoric had fired them, and they cheered him—no one knew why.
When Valmond Came to Pontiac, Complete | Gilbert ParkerThen the attacking party, evidently disappointed and mystified, withdrew again into the forest.
Menotah | Ernest G. Henham
British Dictionary definitions for mystify
/ (ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ) /
to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
to make mysterious or obscure
Origin of mystify
1Derived forms of mystify
- mystification, noun
- mystifier, noun
- mystifying, adjective
- mystifyingly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse