mystify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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.
verb
-
to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
-
to make mysterious or obscure
Other Word Forms
- mystification noun
- mystifiedly adverb
- mystifier noun
- mystifying adjective
- mystifyingly adverb
- overmystify verb (used with object)
- unmystified adjective
Etymology
Origin of mystify
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. )
Explanation
If something totally stumps you, doesn't make one lick of sense and has no logical explanation, then it's safe to say it mystifies you. To mystify is a verb that sounds not so mysteriously like mystery. That's because something that mystifies is just that. There's no answer or explanation to be found for it. If you're mystified, you're in awe and bewilderment. The infinite nature of the universe mystifies some people. Others are mystified by the appeal of teen sensations from Ricky Nelson to Justin Bieber.
Vocabulary lists containing mystify
In a Pickle: Words for When You're in Trouble
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Smoke and Mirrors: The Lingo of Illusion and Deception
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Even when elected leaders decry inequity, they typically do more to mystify than clarify what has caused it.
From Salon • Oct. 23, 2025
The Cubs, meanwhile, managed only one hit after the third inning as four Brewers relievers -- Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, rookie Chad Patrick and Abner Uribe -- combined to mystify Chicago batters to the finish.
From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025
“It may mystify some people, but there is such demand for these sorts of things,” Fyall said.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2025
For reasons that mystify me, the National Council of Teachers of English thinks this is just the moment to “move beyond the exclusive focus on traditional reading and writing competencies.”
From Washington Post • May 1, 2022
That seemed to carry some weight, or else to mystify the bear sufficiently to make him pause.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
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.
