baffle etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: bafel ("to confuse or bewilder")
  • Old French: baffler ("to delude, mock")
  • Late Latin: baffare ("to puff, blow")

Meaning:

  • To confuse or bewilder
  • To thwart or frustrate

Origin:

The word "baffle" is ultimately derived from the Late Latin verb "baffare," meaning "to puff, blow." This likely referred to the practice of confusing someone by blowing air into their face.

Over time, the meaning of "baffle" evolved to include more general notions of confusing, bewildering, or frustrating someone. It can also be used to describe something that is difficult to understand or to overcome.

In a more specific sense, a "baffle" can refer to a device or structure used to regulate or redirect the flow of liquid or gas. This usage is related to the original meaning of "baffle" as "to puff," as the baffle creates a resistance to the flow of fluid, causing it to change direction.

baffle relate terms

  • baffling

    Etymology Baffling stems from the Old French word baffouer which means to mock or

  • baffle

    Etymology Middle English bafel to confuse or bewilder Old French baffler to del

  • bafflement

    Etymology The word bafflement is derived from the Middle English word baffel which

  • baffle

    Etymology Middle English bafel to confuse or bewilder Old French baffler to del

  • regulate

    Etymology The word regulate originates from the Latin word regularis meaning accor

  • thwart

    Etymology The word thwart has its origins in the Old English word þweorh which mean

  • spoil

    Etymology The word spoil comes from the Old French word spolier which means to rob

  • bluff

    Etymology The word bluff has several possible origins French bluffer to deceive

  • stump

    Etymology The word stump has Germanic origins It derives from the Old English word st

  • mysterious

    Etymology The word mysterious comes from the Latin word mysteriosus which in turn is

  • disappoint

    Etymology Middle English disapoynten from Old French despointer desappointer Old Fr

  • gravel

    Etymology Middle English gravele gravil 13th century Old French gravele gravel 1

  • scotch

    Etymology The word scotch has multiple origins and meanings 1 Scottish Origin Old

  • confuse

    Etymology refers to the origin and development of words It traces the historical changes