'bafflement' originates from English, specifically from the verb 'baffle' + the noun-forming suffix '-ment', where 'baffle' (mid 17th century) was of uncertain or imitative origin meaning 'to confuse or check'.

'baffle' was coined in English in the mid 1600s (likely imitative or of uncertain origin); later the suffix '-ment' was added to form 'bafflement', meaning the 'state or condition' resulting from being baffled.

Initially associated with the action 'to check, stop, or perplex', it evolved into the noun meaning 'the state of being confused or puzzled' in modern usage.