Definitions for baffles

• Definition
• Anagrams (141)

baffles baf·fle

Spelling: [baf-uh l]

IPA: /ˈbæf əl/

Baffles is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 14 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 16 points.

You can make 141 anagrams from letters in baffles (abeffls).

Definitions for baffles

noun

1. something that balks, checks, or deflects.
2. an artificial obstruction for checking or deflecting the flow of gases (as in a boiler), sounds (as in the loudspeaker system of a radio or hi-fi set), light (as in a darkroom), etc.
3. any boxlike enclosure or flat panel for mounting a loudspeaker.

verb (used with object)

1. to confuse, bewilder, or perplex:
2. to frustrate or confound; thwart by creating confusion or bewilderment.
3. to check or deflect the movement of (sound, light, fluids, etc.).
4. to equip with a baffle or baffles.
5. Obsolete. to cheat; trick.

verb (used without object)

1. to struggle ineffectually, as a ship in a gale.

Origin of baffles

1540-50; 1910-15 for def 8; perhaps Scots bauchle to disgrace, treat with contempt, equivalent to bauch (see baff) + -le

Examples for baffles

It had seemed to baffle the others; it baffled the big man now.

Marot's end was to baffle his pursuers and to benefit the exiles.

I have baffled them now for nearly a year, and I can baffle them still.

Haven't we eyes to see this ruin that's coming, and minds to baffle it with?

Now I like to baffle them—to leave them something to struggle with.

That decision continues to baffle some law enforcement officials nearly two decades later.

The singer-actress admits the debate continues to offend and baffle her.

This hidden Eden continues to baffle geologists with its oculus of volcanic stone.

With only two young witnesses, no clear motive, and no identified suspect, the case continues to baffle authorities.

It was no good to set broad goals for agencies: those goals tended to contradict each other—or else to baffle the agency itself.