bamboozle
verb
bam·boo·zle
bam-ˈbü-zəl 
bamboozled; bamboozling
bam-ˈbüz-liŋ,
-ˈbü-zə-
1
: to deceive by underhanded methods : dupe, hoodwink
I got bamboozled by the salesperson to buy a more expensive model.
2
: to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely
a quarterback bamboozled by an unexpected defense
Did you know?
In 1710, Irish author Jonathan Swift wrote an article on "the continual Corruption of our English Tongue" in which he complained of "the Choice of certain Words invented by some pretty Fellows." Among the inventions Swift disliked was bamboozle, which was used by contemporary criminals. Other than that, the origin of bamboozle remains a mystery, but the word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech ... are the first perishing Parts in any Language."
Synonyms
Examples of bamboozle in a Sentence
bamboozled by con men into buying worthless land in the desert
I'm completely bamboozled by the latest changes in the tax code
Recent Examples on the Web
Otto Hightower – 3 points The grandson Otto installed as king is overruling him in front of the people and getting bamboozled into ousting him as Hand by a man who trades secrets in exchange for lustful glances at Otto’s daughter’s toes.
—
Brian Grubb, Vulture, 16 June 2024
If, in the first movie, Arthur was the shy, weird loser rejected by all women, now he’s being bamboozled by one.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Just four minutes later, the Argentine had his second, bamboozling the Philadelphia defense to prod the ball into the net from an almost identical position.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 15 Sep. 2024
Gutierrez also concluded jurors were bamboozled by plaintiffs’ expert testimony that, to determine market prices, incorporated hypothetical scenarios.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bamboozle 
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Brian Grubb, Vulture, 16 June 2024
If, in the first movie, Arthur was the shy, weird loser rejected by all women, now he’s being bamboozled by one.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Just four minutes later, the Argentine had his second, bamboozling the Philadelphia defense to prod the ball into the net from an almost identical position.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 15 Sep. 2024
Gutierrez also concluded jurors were bamboozled by plaintiffs’ expert testimony that, to determine market prices, incorporated hypothetical scenarios.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bamboozle
Dictionary Entries Near bamboozle
Cite this Entry
“Bamboozle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bamboozle. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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