mystify

[ mis-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mys·ti·fied, mys·ti·fy·ing.

1. to perplex, puzzle, or baffle; defy the understanding of:

   The judge's decision in this case completely mystifies me, given all the evidence.

2. to perplex (a person) by playing upon their ignorance, gullibility, or naiveté; bewilder purposely:

   It's the perfect propaganda to mystify and demoralize voters.

   Synonyms: puzzle, elude, mislead, fool

3. to involve in mystery or obscurity:

   These vague terms serve only to further mystify the concept for readers.

mystify

/ ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
2. to make mysterious or obscure

Derived Forms

• ˌmystifiˈcation, noun
• ˈmystiˌfying, adjective
• ˈmystiˌfier, noun
• ˈmystiˌfyingly, adverb

Other Words From

• mys·ti·fi·ca·tion [mis-t, uh, -fi-, key, -sh, uh, n], 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) overmystified overmystifying
• un·mys·ti·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystify¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic ( def ) or mystère mystery ¹( def ) ) + -fier -fy ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystify¹

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

Example Sentences

We release millions of pounds of carcinogens into our air, water and food and act mystified when people start getting sick.

From ProPublica

A former Capitol policeman well-versed in his agency’s procedures was mystified by the scene he watched unfold on live television.

From ProPublica

Law enforcement experts said they were mystified by the tactics that police used once the mob was already inside the Capitol.

From Washington Post

Indeed the fact that Mnuchin and Pelosi had continued negotiating as long as they did had mystified much of Washington.

From Washington Post

The state agency thinks she’s still on payroll, which mystifies her.

From ProPublica

He does things that mystify her, too, which I think is true of all relationships.

From The Daily Beast

How does suicide in the ranks continue to mystify the much-vaunted and ever-powerful U.S. military?

From The Daily Beast

The result was to deepen and mystify a simple political remark.

From The Daily Beast

It can only mislead and mystify and the greater part of the literature is a mere jumble of inaccurate and mystifying statements.

From Project Gutenberg

By-and-by, having had his glass––and still with the puzzle of myself to mystify his poor wits––Tom Bull departed.

From Project Gutenberg

"The more we mystify them, the more they will fear us," said the doctor.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing, indeed, has tended to deceive and mystify the public mind more than the arbitrary conjunction of names.

From Project Gutenberg

He sat down and wrote one of those short, clear-cut articles which served to amuse and mystify the public.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• baffle
• confound
• deceive
• perplex
• puzzle
• stump