muddle
muddle Lexical Profile
muddle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An untidy, disorganized state of things or of the mind; a state of confusion or disorder.
"The sudden change in policy left the accounting department in a complete muddle."
• verb
To bring into a disordered or confusing state; to mix up in a disorganized way.
"Please do not muddle the invoices on my desk while I am sorting them."
To bewilder, stupefy, or make unable to think clearly (especially with alcohol or fatigue).
"Lack of sleep began to muddle his judgment during the final hours of the negotiation."
To crush or mash fruit, herbs, or sugar in the bottom of a glass to release their flavors before adding liquid.
"Gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup before adding ice."
• Rhymes for muddle
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century in the literal sense 'to wallow in mud', probably borrowed from Middle Dutch moddelen ('to make water muddy'), a frequentative form derived from modde ('mud').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.