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Definition of bewilder

bewilder

/bɪˈwɪl.dər/
be · wil · der
Adverb:bewilderingly
•
Adjective:bewildered
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Past Simple:bewildered
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Past Participle:bewildered
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Present Participle:bewildering
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bewilder Lexical Profile

bewilder Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause someone to become perplexed, disoriented, or confused, especially when faced with many conflicting or complicated elements.

Example

"The sudden changes in tax regulations continued to bewilder small business owners across the country."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bewilder

• Nearby Words

bevy
beware
bewhiskered
bewilder
bewilderedly
bewildering
bewilderingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 17th century from the intensive prefix be- and the archaic verb wilder ('to lead astray or lure into the wilderness'), ultimately derived from Old English wilder ('wild animal' or 'wilderness').

Cite this Entry

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