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.
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
This unusual formation has fascinated and mystified both scientists and the public for decades.
From 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.
From Los Angeles Times
Even when elected leaders decry inequity, they typically do more to mystify than clarify what has caused it.
From Salon
While Gandbhir isn’t reveling in their pain, she refuses to cut away, creating a devastating and altogether mystifying section of the film that overwhelms her larger message.
From Salon
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.
