bamboozle

verb

bam·​boo·​zle bam-ˈbü-zəl How to pronounce bamboozle (audio)
bamboozled; bamboozling
bam-ˈbüz-liŋ,
-ˈbü-zə- How to pronounce bamboozle (audio)

transitive verb

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
bamboozlement noun

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."

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People were bamboozled by the roly-poly big-eyed cuteness — such clips have drawn in millions of viewers. Brian Munoz, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025 Investors, customers and constituents may be bamboozled—but the climate will not be. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Instead, they are bamboozled by her incredible dexterity at the net or from the back of the court, as well as struggling to read and return her serve. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Jadon Sancho’s sumptuous dummy, bamboozling Chris Richards, and cross had set up Cole Palmer for the opener early on and Chelsea should really have extended their lead by the break. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bamboozle 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bamboozle was in 1703

Dictionary Entries Near bamboozle

Cite this Entry

“Bamboozle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bamboozle. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

bamboozle

verb
bam·​boo·​zle
bam-ˈbü-zəl
bamboozled; bamboozling
1
: to deceive by trickery : hoodwink
2
: to confuse, frustrate, or throw off completely

More from Merriam-Webster on bamboozle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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