mystify

[ mis-tuh-fahy ]

See synonyms for: mystify mystified mystifying mystification on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),mys·ti·fied, mys·ti·fy·ing.

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

First recorded in 1805–15; from French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic or mystère mystery¹) + -fier -fy

Other words for mystify

2	fool, mislead, elude, puzzle

See synonyms for mystify on Thesaurus.com

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 BEAST
All 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 BEAST
Indeed, 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 BEAST
The 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 BEAST
The 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 Johnson
Nevertheless, 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 Johnson
Liosha, although accepting my apology, had sat mystified; also profoundly disturbed by Jaffery's unconcealed agitation.
Jaffery | William J. Locke
The 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 Parker
Then the attacking party, evidently disappointed and mystified, withdrew again into the forest.
Menotah | Ernest G. Henham

British Dictionary definitions for mystify

mystify

/ (ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ) /

verb-fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
to make mysterious or obscure

Origin of mystify

C19: from French mystifier, from mystère mystery 1 or mystique mystic

Derived 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

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