'mystifier' originates from French, specifically the word 'mystifier', where the element 'myst-' ultimately comes from Greek 'mustikos' meaning 'secret' or 'mystery' and the suffix '-ifier' comes via Latin from 'facere' meaning 'to make'.

'mystifier' changed from the Old French word 'mystifier' (from Late Latin 'mystificare', ultimately from Greek 'mustikos') and eventually entered modern English as 'mystify' with the agentive form 'mystifier' (using the English agentive suffix '-er').

Initially, it meant 'to make mysterious' or 'to initiate into mystery', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'someone or something that perplexes or confuses'.