Bewilder is a word that is often used to describe a state of confusion or disorientation. It is a term that can be applied to a wide range of situations, from feeling lost in a new city to struggling to understand a complex concept. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origins of the word bewilder, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
To bewilder means to cause someone to become confused or disoriented. It can also mean to perplex or puzzle someone, leaving them unsure of what to do or how to proceed.
Origin
The word bewilder comes from the Middle English term “bewilden,” which meant to lead astray or cause someone to lose their way. This word was derived from the Old English “biwildrian,” which had a similar meaning.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bewilder means “to cause someone to be confused or perplexed.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity, variety, or multitude of objects or considerations.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “to confuse someone by being too difficult or complicated for them to understand.”
Associations
Bewilder is often associated with feelings of confusion, disorientation, and uncertainty. It can also be associated with a sense of being lost or unsure of one’s direction.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bewilder include confuse, confound, perplex, puzzle, baffle, and mystify.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bewilder include clarify, explain, enlighten, and inform.
The same root words
The word bewilder shares its root with other words that also relate to being lost or confused. These include wilderness, wilder, and wild.
Example Sentences
- The complex instructions on the tax form left me completely bewildered.
- The maze of streets in the old city center can easily bewilder tourists.
- The sudden change in plans bewildered the team, leaving them unsure of how to proceed.
- The complicated math problem was enough to bewilder even the most experienced mathematicians.
- The strange behavior of the suspect bewildered the detectives, making it difficult to determine his motives.