Befuddling


to confuse, as with glib statements or arguments:
politicians befuddling the public with campaign promises.
to make stupidly drunk.
Contemporary Examples

And opinions grew more virulent and befuddling on both sides.
Why We’re Not Ranking Rabbis Gary Ginsberg, Michael Lynton, Abigail Pogrebin February 25, 2014

Historical Examples

Have we no “mud-heads” befuddling life at every turn of the way?
Through Our Unknown Southwest Agnes C. Laut

The greater part of the befuddling of Polonius then follows.
Dramatic Technique George Pierce Baker

verb (transitive)
to confuse, muddle, or perplex
to make stupid with drink
v.

“confuse,” 1873, from be- + fuddle; originally “to confuse with strong drink or opium” (by 1832). An earlier word in the same sense was begunk (1725). Related: Befuddled; befuddling.

Read Also:

  • Beghard

    a member of a former lay brotherhood, founded in Flanders in the 13th century, living after the manner of the Beguines. Historical Examples A leading feature of the Beghard propaganda was the circulation among the laity of written tracts and devotional works. A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume II Henry Charles […]

  • Beg off

    to ask for as a gift, as charity, or as a favor: to beg alms; to beg forgiveness. to ask (someone) to give or do something; implore: He begged me for mercy. Sit down, I beg you. to take for granted without basis or justification: a statement that begs the very point we’re disputing. to […]

  • Beg-pardon

    an expression of apology (used especially in the phrase with no beg-pardons).

  • Beg the question

    to ask for as a gift, as charity, or as a favor: to beg alms; to beg forgiveness. to ask (someone) to give or do something; implore: He begged me for mercy. Sit down, I beg you. to take for granted without basis or justification: a statement that begs the very point we’re disputing. to […]

  • Beg to differ

    Disagree with someone, as in John told me Max was sure to win, but I beg to differ—I don’t think he has a chance . This courteous formula for expressing disagreement echoes similar uses of beg in the sense of “ask,” such as I beg your pardon , so used since about 1600. Also see […]


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