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
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
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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.
The clip is a color version of the actual "Mystify" video, and shows the frontman focused on nailing the song's vocal part as Farriss plays the piano.
From Salon • Jan. 21, 2020
Appropriately, "Mystify" ends with Hutchence in a more intimate setting: working on the song "Mystify" with bandmate Andrew Farriss in a spacious studio settig.
From Salon • Jan. 21, 2020
The first set of recording sessions started on 9 March 1987 at Sydney's Rhinoceros Studios; resulting in the songs Mystify, New Sensation, Never Tears Us Apart and Devil Inside, amongst others.
From BBC • Nov. 24, 2017
Or the retooling of "Mystify" into a spacey ballad with bluesy guitar splashes from John Mayer and vocals by French singer Loane - in French.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 4, 2011
One such song is "Mystify," a tune first heard on their biggest album, 1987's "Kick."
From Reuters • Mar. 15, 2011
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.
