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
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 
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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
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.
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