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Definition of befuddled

befuddled

/bɪˈfʌd.əld/
be · fud · dled
Adverb:befuddledly
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befuddled Lexical Profile

befuddled Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unable to think clearly; thoroughly confused or perplexed.

Example

"The tourists looked completely befuddled as they tried to navigate the complex subway map."

2

Dazed, groggy, or stupefied, especially as a result of fatigue, medication, or intoxication.

Example

"Still befuddled from the heavy anesthesia, the patient struggled to recall what day it was."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for befuddled

• Nearby Words

befriend
befriender
befuddle
befuddled
befuddlement
beg
beget

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century by combining the intensive prefix 'be-' with the verb 'fuddle' (meaning to go on a drinking bout or become confused), which originally appeared in the late 16th century and is likely related to Low German 'fuddeln' (to work sloppily).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Befuddled. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/befuddled
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