🇺🇸
/ˈbæfld/
🇺🇸
/ˈbæfld/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæfld/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæfld/
Baffled describes the feeling of being completely confused or unable to understand something — like staring at a riddle with no clues, or watching a magic trick you can't figure out. It's stronger than just 'puzzled' and often implies frustration or mild shock at the incomprehensibility of a situation.
She stood there, utterly baffled by the cryptic instructions on the coffee maker.
The scientists were baffled when the experiment produced results that contradicted all known theories.
I was completely baffled by his sudden change of heart — he'd agreed enthusiastically just hours before.
The toddler looked baffled as the toy suddenly stopped moving.
Even experienced linguists remain baffled by the grammar of this ancient, undeciphered script.
baffle
Comes from Middle English 'baufler', likely of Old French origin (cf. 'baufler' meaning 'to deceive, cheat, or mock'), possibly related to Germanic roots meaning 'to confuse or perplex'. It is a native English root with no clear classical (Latin/Greek) etymon; the word entered English as a verb in the late 16th century. Examples include baffle, baffling, bafflement, unbaffled.