baffle
baffle
Definition
baf·fle (baf′əl)
transitive verb -·fled, -·fling
- to confuse so as to keep from understanding or solving; puzzle; confound
- to interfere with; hinder; impede
- to check the interference of (low-frequency sound waves) in a radio, phonograph, etc. by the use of a baffle
Etymology: 16th-c. Scot; prob. respelling (as duff for dough, Affleck for Auchinleck) of obs. bauchle
noun
- Rare a baffling or being baffled
- an obstructing device, as a wall or screen to hold back or turn aside the flow of liquids, gases, etc.
- a mounting or partition used to check the transmission of sound waves between the front and rear of the speaker of a radio, phonograph, etc.
baf′·fle·ment noun
baf′·fler noun
baf′·fling adjective
baffle
Synonyms
baffle
v.
baffle
Usage Examples
Object
- cipher: Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher.
- mystery: In fact, Mac may well have found the answer to a baffling mystery.
- plate: LISTED ) One or two OMEGALUX® strip heaters are mounted on a baffled back plate.
- array: In these uncertain times, our work and personal lives are subject to a baffling array of changes and options.
- scholar: It also answers some questions that have baffled scholars for decades.
- scientist: Exactly how birds acquired the ability to fly has baffled scientists for years.
Preposition: that
- measure: It is baffling that such simple measures are not implemented.
Adjective complement
- most: The finances of the Council baffle most with whom I talk.
Modifying Another Word
- frankly: And both Arthur and I were frankly baffled by it all.
- utterly: Posted by NiC on 5 March, 2004 at 4:17 PM I'm utterly baffled by everything going on.
- somewhat: Somewhat baffling The mystery room was the room in the SW tower, near the bell, which was only accessible from the roof.
- completely: He glanced round at his team mates, completely baffled.
- totally: Totally baffled, I followed his eyes to the screen.
- equally: I'll scan some at a later date, and you can be equally baffled.
Used with why or when
- why: It's just baffling why the infrastructure hasn't been put in place beforehand.
- which: This is particularly advantageous for the central baffle which is a precise design.
- when: He was even more baffled when Des came along with him.
Infinitive complement
- prevent: Also does the zip have a baffle to prevent a cold spot?
- find: On his first visit to Vienna, he was baffled to find that even there no one had heard of him.
Preposition: by
- jargon: Synopsis Have you ever been baffled by wine jargon or confused by labels?
