v.tr. 1 a disconcert, perplex, bewilder. b embarrass. 2 mix up in the mind; mistake (one for another). 3 make indistinct (that point confuses the issue). 4 (as confused adj.) mentally decrepit. 5 (often as confused adj.) throw into disorder (a confused jumble of clothes). confusedly adv. confusing adj. confusingly adv.
[ 19th-c. back-form. f. confused (14th c.) f. OF confus f. L confusus: see confound ]