Pronunciation: ' ba-f ə l
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: baf · fled ; baf · fling \ -f( ə -)li ŋ \
Etymology: probably alteration of Middle English (Sc) bawchillen to denounce, discredit publicly
Date: 1675
1 : to defeat or check (as a person) by confusing or puzzling : DISCONCERT
2 : to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
synonyms see FRUSTRATE
– baf · fle · ment \ -f ə l-m ə nt \ noun
– baf · fler \ -f( ə -)l ə r \ noun
– baf · fling · ly \ ' ba-fli ŋ -l ē \ adverb