WikiWord

baffle

From WikiWord

English

Etymology

No etymology has been added yet.

Pronunciation

  • IPA /ˈbæfl̩/

Noun

baffle noun

  1. A device used to dampen the effects of such things as sound, light, or fluid. Specifically, a baffle is a surface which is placed inside an open area to inhibit direct motion from one part to another, without preventing motion altogether.“Tanker trucks use baffles to keep the liquids inside from sloshing around.”
  2. An architectural feature designed to confuse enemies or make them vulnerable.
  3. (coal mining) A lever for operating the throttle valve of a winding engine.

Verb

baffle verb

  1. To publicly disgrace, especially of a recreant knight.
  2. To hoodwink or deceive (someone).
  3. To bewilder completely; to confuse or perplex.“I am baffled by the contradictions and omissions in the instructions.”
  4. To foil; to thwart.

Word map

bewildernonplusperplexflummoxmystifydumbfoundpuzzlefrustratestupifystupefybaffle

Related terms

Synonyms

Associated

Rhymes

Usage & collocations

No usage or collocation data has been added yet.

Community definitions

Community definitions for baffle appear here as readers add and vote on them.

Usage in the wild

Real example sentences for baffle appear here as readers add them.

References