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. )
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.
“We were mystified by the actions of the conference, to attack, you know, their biggest, really, business partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports,” Bevaqua said.
From Los Angeles Times
Rather, she prefers to be called a “ball of light” or “God’s helper,” mystifying phrases unburdened by the conventional stigmas.
From Los Angeles Times
He appeared mystified that his work completed forty years ago is worthy of science's most prestigious prize.
From BBC
Yet knowing how to behave needn’t be mystifying.
That he has excelled at Betis, with 15 goals and seven assists in 38 games across all competitions, makes his form at Old Trafford all the more mystifying.
From BBC
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.
