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baffle

Pronunciation: /ˈbaf(ə)l/
Translate baffle | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of baffle

verb

[with object]
  • 1totally bewilder or perplex:an unexplained occurrence that baffled everyone
  • 2restrain or regulate (a fluid, sound, etc.): to baffle the noise further, I pad the gunwales

noun

  • a device used to restrain the flow of a fluid, gas, etc. or to prevent the spreading of sound or light in a particular direction: you can cut out glare from a strip light by concealing it behind a baffle [as modifier]:a baffle plate

Derivatives

bafflement

noun

Origin:

late 16th century (in the sense 'cheat, deceive'): perhaps related to French bafouer 'ridicule' or obsolete French beffer 'mock, deceive'

baffle in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of baffle in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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