addle

The definition of addle refers to causing someone to become confused or to becoming unable to think clearly.

(verb)

The elderly who do difficult tasks that fluster them is an example of addle.

Addle is defined as something that becomes spoiled.

(adjective)

Milk that has gone bad without refrigeration is an example of addle.

Addle means someone who is confused or not thinking right

(adjective)

An example of addle is a person who has amnesia and who isn't sure where he is.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See addle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. rotten: said of an egg
  2. muddled; confused: now usually in compounds: addlebrained

Origin: ME adel in adel-eye, addle-egg, transl. of L ovum urinae, egg of urine, confused form of ovum urinum (a rendering of Gr ourion ōon, wind-egg) < OE adela; akin to MLowG adele, mud

intransitive verb, transitive verb addled, addling

  1. to make or become rotten
  2. to make or become muddled or confused

See addle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb ad·dled, ad·dling, ad·dles
verb, transitive
To muddle; confuse: “My brain is a bit addled by whiskey” (Eugene O'Neill). See Synonyms at confuse.
verb, intransitive
  1. To become confused.
  2. To become rotten, as an egg.

Origin:

Origin: From Middle English adel, rotten

Origin: , from Old English adel, pool of excrement

.

Learn more about addle

link/cite print suggestion box