Bewildering

/bɪˈwɪldərɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Confusing and difficult to understand; causing someone to feel lost or puzzled.

Etymology

From 'be-' (to make) plus 'wilder' (to lose the way), which comes from 'wild'. The word literally means to make someone wild or lost, evolving from the physical sense of being lost in wilderness to being mentally confused.

Kelly Says

The word 'wilder' originally meant to lead astray in the wilderness, so 'bewildered' literally means you're so confused you feel lost in the wilds—your mind is in the woods!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.