mystify

[mis-tuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

mystified, mystifying 

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

Other Word Forms

• mystification noun
• mystifiedly adverb
• mystifier noun
• mystifyingly adverb
• overmystify verb (used with object)
• unmystified adjective
• mystifying 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 ¹ or mystique _mystic

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on BBC

“It mystifies me, Miss Lumley, how you can even persist in calling those three untamed creatures ‘children.’

Read more on Literature

This unusual formation has fascinated and mystified both scientists and the public for decades.

Read more on Science Daily

Which makes it all the more mystifying that Democrats are so eager to give up, on an issue that unites voters across parties, across demographics, across our seemingly endless divides.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even when elected leaders decry inequity, they typically do more to mystify than clarify what has caused it.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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