First Known Use: 1675
Dictionary
1baffle
verb baf·fle \ˈba-fəl\
: to confuse (someone) completely
baf·fledbaf·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of BAFFLE
transitive verb
1
: to defeat or check (as a person) by confusing or puzzling : disconcert
2
: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
— baf·fle·ment \-fəl-mənt\ noun
— baf·fler \-f(ə-)lər\ noun
— baf·fling·ly \ˈba-fliŋ-lē\ adverb
See baffle defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BAFFLE
probably alteration of Middle English (Scots) bawchillen to denounce, discredit publicly
Related to BAFFLE
Synonym Discussion of BAFFLE
frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent <frustrated attempts at government reform>. thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing <the army thwarted his attempt at a coup>. foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort <foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her>. baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling <baffled by the maze of rules and regulations>. balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances <officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime>.
2baffle
noun
: a device (such as a wall or screen) that is used to control the flow of something (such as a fluid, light, or sound)
Full Definition of BAFFLE
: a device (as a plate, wall, or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow or passage (as of a fluid, light, or sound)
— baf·fled \ˈba-fəld\ adjective
See baffle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BAFFLE
1881
Other Audio Recording Terms
BAFFLEMENT Defined for Kids
baffle
verb baf·fle \ˈba-fəl\
baf·fledbaf·fling \ˈba-fə-liŋ, ˈba-fliŋ\
Definition of BAFFLE for Kids
: to completely confuse <The instructions baffled us.>
— baffled adjective
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