mystify

American  

[mis-tuh-fahy] / ˈmɪs təˌfaɪ /

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.

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mystify British  

/ ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle

2. to make mysterious or obscure

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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

Walker says she was still far from first in the boarding queue, and found the system a bit mystifying.

From MarketWatch

“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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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