mystify
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.
Origin of mystify
1Other words for mystify
Other words from mystify
- mys·ti·fi·ca·tion [mis-tuh-fi-key-shuhn], /ˌmɪs tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən/, noun
- mys·ti·fied·ly, adverb
- mys·ti·fi·er, noun
- mys·ti·fy·ing·ly, adverb
- o·ver·mys·ti·fy, verb (used with object), o·ver·mys·ti·fied, o·ver·mys·ti·fy·ing.
- un·mys·ti·fied, adjective
Words Nearby mystify
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use mystify in a sentence
We release millions of pounds of carcinogens into our air, water and food and act mystified when people start getting sick.
Poison in the Air | by Lylla Younes, Ava Kofman, Al Shaw and Lisa Song, with additional reporting by Maya Miller, photography by Kathleen Flynn for ProPublica | November 2, 2021 | ProPublicaA former Capitol policeman well-versed in his agency’s procedures was mystified by the scene he watched unfold on live television.
Capitol Rioters Planned for Weeks in Plain Sight. The Police Weren’t Ready. | by Logan Jaffe, Lydia DePillis, Isaac Arnsdorf and J. David McSwane | January 7, 2021 | ProPublicaLaw enforcement experts said they were mystified by the tactics that police used once the mob was already inside the Capitol.
Capitol breach prompts urgent questions about security failures | Carol D. Leonnig, Aaron Davis, Dan Lamothe, David Fahrenthold | January 7, 2021 | Washington PostIndeed the fact that Mnuchin and Pelosi had continued negotiating as long as they did had mystified much of Washington.
Pelosi and Mnuchin, once Washington’s Odd Couple, publicly disavow economic relief talks - and each other | Erica Werner | October 29, 2020 | Washington PostThe state agency thinks she’s still on payroll, which mystifies her.
He Made a Minor Mistake Filling Out an Unemployment Form. Then the State Demanded $14,990 From Him. | by Ava Kofman | October 29, 2020 | ProPublica
He does things that mystify her, too, which I think is true of all relationships.
Adam Driver on Role-Play Sex with Lena Dunham on ‘Girls’ and Adam’s Stormy Relationship with Hannah | Marlow Stern | March 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHow does suicide in the ranks continue to mystify the much-vaunted and ever-powerful U.S. military?
The result was to deepen and mystify a simple political remark.
Mitt Romney’s No More Of a Mystery Than Barack Obama | Lee Siegel | February 9, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTIt can only mislead and mystify and the greater part of the literature is a mere jumble of inaccurate and mystifying statements.
By-and-by, having had his glass––and still with the puzzle of myself to mystify his poor wits––Tom Bull departed.
The Cruise of the Shining Light | Norman Duncan"The more we mystify them, the more they will fear us," said the doctor.
Pharaoh's Broker | Ellsworth DouglassNothing, indeed, has tended to deceive and mystify the public mind more than the arbitrary conjunction of names.
He sat down and wrote one of those short, clear-cut articles which served to amuse and mystify the public.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar | Maurice Leblanc
British Dictionary definitions for mystify
/ (ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ) /
to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
to make mysterious or obscure
Origin of mystify
1Derived forms of mystify
- mystification, noun
- mystifier, noun
- mystifying, adjective
- mystifyingly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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