'bafflement' originates from English, specifically the verb 'baffle', where the root 'baff-' is of uncertain (possibly imitative) origin meaning 'to confound or strike'.

'baffle' appeared in English in the mid 17th century; the noun 'bafflement' was later formed by adding the suffix '-ment' to the verb 'baffle' to denote the action or state resulting from baffling.

Initially it referred to the action of baffling (causing confusion); over time it has come to be used primarily for the resultant state of being puzzled or bewildered.