baffle Definition
- 1to confuse or perplex someone
- 2to prevent something from being understood or solved
- 3a device used to control the flow of a fluid, gas, or sound
Using baffle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "baffle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The instructions completely baffled me.
Example
The mystery continues to baffle investigators.
Example
The noise-cancelling headphones baffle external sounds.
baffle Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using baffle
to use technical jargon or complex explanations to confuse or impress someone
Example
The salesman tried to baffle me with science, but I didn't understand a word he said.
to be so extraordinary or amazing that it is difficult to comprehend
Example
The beauty of the Grand Canyon boggles the mind and baffles the imagination.
baffle someone's expectations
to surprise or confound someone by doing something unexpected
Example
The movie's plot twist completely baffled my expectations.
Phrases with baffle
Example
The baffle plate in the engine helps to regulate the air intake.
Example
The recording studio has sound baffles on the walls to improve the acoustics.
Example
The mechanic installed an oil baffle to keep the oil from splashing onto other parts of the engine.
Origins of baffle
originally meaning 'to disgrace' in Scots, from Old French 'bafouer', meaning 'to ridicule'
Summary: baffle in Brief
The verb 'baffle' [ˈbæfl] means to confuse or perplex someone, or to prevent something from being understood or solved. It can also refer to a device used to control the flow of a fluid, gas, or sound. Examples include 'The instructions completely baffled me.' and 'The noise-cancelling headphones baffle external sounds.' Idioms include 'baffle someone with science,' and 'baffle the imagination.'
