Added 9 October 2026
baffle
/ˈbæfl̩/ verb
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about baffle at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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To confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
I am baffled by the contradictions and omissions in the instructions.
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To confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
I am baffled by the contradictions and omissions in the instructions.
- To defeat, frustrate, or thwart (someone or their efforts, plans, etc.); to confound, to foil.
noun
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A device used to dampen, muffle, restrain, or otherwise control the movement of a fluid, or waves travelling through a fluid such as light or sound; specifically, a surface positioned inside an open area to inhibit direct motion from one place to another without preventing motion altogether.
Tanker trucks use baffles to keep the liquids inside from sloshing around.
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A device used to dampen, muffle, restrain, or otherwise control the movement of a fluid, or waves travelling through a fluid such as light or sound; specifically, a surface positioned inside an open area to inhibit direct motion from one place to another without preventing motion altogether.
Tanker trucks use baffles to keep the liquids inside from sloshing around.
- A lever for operating the throttle valve of a winding engine.
verb
noun
- Intentional insult; affront; also, disgrace; an instance of this.
Origin
The origin of the verb is uncertain; it is possibly: * from French bafouer, baffoüer (“to abuse, revile; to confuse, baffle; to deceive; to flout; to scorn”), imitative of someone making a disdainful sound by expelling air quickly through pouted lips (compare Occitan baf (interjection expressing disdain)); or * from French befer, beffer, beffler (“(obsolete) to deceive; to mock, ridicule”) (compare Old French befe, beffe, buffe (“deception; mockery”); beferie (“deceit; quibbling”)), possibly from bafouer: see above. The noun is derived from the verb.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)