'bewilder' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'bewilderen,' where 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'wilder' meant 'to lead astray.'

'bewilderen' transformed into the modern English word 'bewilder,' and 'bewilderer' was derived as a noun form.

Initially, it meant 'to lead astray or confuse,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.