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.

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