Baffle definition

băfəl
baffled baffles baffling
See word origin
Frequency:
To confuse so as to keep from understanding or solving; puzzle; confound.
verb
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A partition that prevents interference between sound waves in a loudspeaker.
noun
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To impede the force or movement of (a fluid).
verb
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A usually static device that regulates the flow of a fluid or light.
noun
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The definition of baffle is confuse.

An example of baffle is when a teacher confuses a student with a complicated math problem.

verb
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To interfere with; hinder; impede.
verb
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To check the interference of (low-frequency sound waves) in a radio, phonograph, etc. by the use of a baffle.
verb
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(rare) A baffling or being baffled.
noun
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An obstructing device.
  • A wall or screen to hold back or turn aside the flow of liquids, gases, etc.
  • Any of various devices designed to obstruct a rodent's access to a bird feeder.
noun
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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.
noun
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To bewilder completely; to confuse or perplex. [from 17th c.]

I am baffled by the contradictions and omissions in the instructions.

verb
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(now rare) To foil; to thwart. [from 17th c.]
verb
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(intransitive) To struggle in vain. [from 19th c.]

A ship baffles with the winds.

verb
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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.

noun
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An architectural feature designed to confuse enemies or make them vulnerable.
noun
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To confuse or perplex, especially so as to frustrate or prevent from taking action.

A patient whose condition baffled the physicians.

verb
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
baffle
Plural:
baffles

Origin of baffle

  • Perhaps blend of Scottish Gaelic bauchle to denounce, revile publicly, French bafouer to ridicule

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Origin uncertain.

    From Wiktionary

Baffle Sentence Examples

  • His speeches carry us but a little way beyond the mental range; his novels rather baffle than instruct.

  • Taking care of your sheer tights may baffle you.

  • Another simple apparatus is a large vertical pipe or shoot in which sloping baffle plates or shelves are placed at intervals.

  • There are two types of baffle box constructions.

  • The front baffle with its gentle slope is helpful for vertical diffusing of the ribbon tweeter.

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Words near baffle in the Dictionary