mystify

[ mis-tuh-fahy ]
/ ˈmɪs təˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object), mys·ti·fied, mys·ti·fy·ing.

to perplex (a person) by playing upon the person's credulity; bewilder purposely.
to involve in mystery or obscurity.

Origin of mystify

1805–15; < French mystifier, equivalent to mysti- (irregular combining form of mystique mystic or mystère mystery1) + -fier -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM mystify

Example sentences from the Web for mystification

British Dictionary definitions for mystification

mystify
/ (ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

to confuse, bewilder, or puzzle
to make mysterious or obscure

Derived forms of mystify

mystification, noun mystifier, noun mystifying, adjective mystifyingly, adverb

Word Origin for mystify

C19: from French mystifier, from mystère mystery 1 or mystique mystic