confound
|con-found|
/kənˈfaʊnd/
cause confusion
Etymology
'confound' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'confundere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'fundere' meant 'to pour.'
'confundere' transformed into the Old French word 'confondre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'confound' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to pour together or mix,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to confuse or perplex.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to cause confusion or surprise in someone, especially by acting against their expectations.
The magician's trick confounded the audience.
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Verb 2
to mix up something with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish.
The two twins were so alike that people often confounded them.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35