mystify

verb

mys·ti·fy ˈmi-stə-ˌfī

mystified; mystifying

Synonyms of mystify next

transitive verb

: to perplex the mind of : bewilder

: to make mysterious or obscure

mystify an interpretation of a prophecy

mystifier

ˈmi-stə-ˌfī(-ə)r

noun

mystifyingly

ˈmi-stə-ˌfī-iŋ-lē

adverb

Examples of mystify in a Sentence

The cause of the disease mystified doctors for many years. The magician has been mystifying his audiences for years with his amazing tricks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Its particle/wave title alludes to the often mystifying duality of subatomic reality, which drove major scientific discovery for three centuries, from Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein. —

Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 This mystifying season encourages you to explore closeness and transformation in your relationships, personally and professionally. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Not to mention the drumming and compositions from the band’s Isaac Faulk solidifies Absolute Elsewhere as a mystifying instrumental achievement. —

Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Whether dining at the Carver Café or stumbling upon the mystifying Cullen house, every scene offers decor inspiration for your home. —

Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mystify

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French mystifier "to hoodwink, dupe," from Greek mýstēs "person initiated (into a religious cult)" + French -ifier -ify — more at mystic entry 1

Note: French mystifier was used by 18th-century literati in the context of elaborate practical jokes in which some pseudo-magical procedure would be performed on the subject of the joke as a sort of mock initiation. Such a joke is described by the playwright Charles-Simon Favart (1710-92) in a letter of June 24, 1760, apparently the earliest known occurrence of the verb: one Poinsinet is persuaded that the application of a magic ointment has made him invisible and he then becomes the butt of various jests. According to Favart, Poinsinet was dubbed le mystifié (presumably, "one made an initiate") as a result of the jests, which he refers to collectively as la mystification. (See Mémoires et correspondances littéraires, dramatiques et anecdotiques de C.S. Favart, tome 1, Paris, 1808, p. 50-52.) The meaning of the English word has been influenced by mystery entry 1, mystical, etc.

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of mystify was in 1814

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystify. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

mystify

verb

mys·ti·fy ˈmis-tə-ˌfī

mystified; mystifying

: to confuse thoroughly the understanding of : perplex

mystified by his behavior

mystification

ˌmis-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun

Last Updated: 24 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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mystify

verb

Synonyms

Examples of mystify in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near mystify

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition