Confound
Verb
Definition: Cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by not according with their expectations.
Definition: Mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish.
Synonyms: Confuse, Bewilder, Puzzle
Antonyms: Clarify, Enlighten
Examples:
- The unexpected turn of events confounded her.
- The new instructions confounded the participants.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine someone's face when they are utterly confused, their eyebrows furrowed and their mouth shaped like an 'o'.
- Think of a magician performing a trick that confounds the audience.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'confounden', from Anglo-Norman French 'confondre', based on Latin 'confundere', from 'con-' (completely) + 'fundere' (pour).
Historical Usage:The word has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from its Latin and French roots.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Confounded by"
Explanation:Overwhelmed, puzzled, or perplexed by something.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'confound' with 'compound'.
Explanation:'Confound' means to cause surprise or confusion, while 'compound' refers to something composed of two or more parts.