baffle

[ baf-uh l ]
/ ˈbæf əl /

verb (used with object), baf·fled, baf·fling.

verb (used without object), baf·fled, baf·fling.

to struggle ineffectually, as a ship in a gale.

noun

Origin of baffle

1540–50; 1910–15 for def 8; perhaps < Scots bauchle to disgrace, treat with contempt, equivalent to bauch (see baff) + -le

OTHER WORDS FROM baffle

Example sentences from the Web for baffling

British Dictionary definitions for baffling (1 of 2)

baffling
/ (ˈbæflɪŋ) /

adjective

impossible to understand; perplexing; bewildering; puzzling

Derived forms of baffling

bafflingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for baffling (2 of 2)

baffle
/ (ˈbæfəl) /

verb (tr)

to perplex; bewilder; puzzle
to frustrate (plans, efforts, etc)
to check, restrain, or regulate (the flow of a fluid or the emission of sound or light)
to provide with a baffle
obsolete to cheat or trick

noun

Also called: baffle board, baffle plate a plate or mechanical device designed to restrain or regulate the flow of a fluid, the emission of light or sound, or the distribution of sound, esp in a loudspeaker or microphone

Derived forms of baffle

bafflement, noun baffler, noun

Word Origin for baffle

C16: perhaps from Scottish dialect bachlen to condemn publicly; perhaps related to French bafouer to disgrace