Confound
To confuse or perplex; to cause someone to mistake one thing for another or to be unable to think clearly.
verbConfound
To confuse or perplex; to cause someone to mistake one thing for another or to be unable to think clearly.
verbImagine This
If a drug addict does not find a way to quit his bad habit, his mind will be all mixed up and confused. Worst of all, he could end up dead.
Sounds Like
kÉn-FOUND
Looks Like
con-found
Remember This
In statistics, a confounding variable interferes with the apparent relationship between two variables, making it hard to tell which factor is responsible.
Other Forms
Connect With
bewilder, perplex, baffle, obscure
Note
Confound is slightly more formal than confuse and can imply an element that unexpectedly complicates understanding. It is not the same as 'con-found' in the sense of a crime; keep it as 'to mentally perplex'.
Study Deeper
- The magician's tricks confounded the audience, who could not determine how the illusion was performed.
- Researchers must account for a potential confounding variable that could distort the treatment effect.
From Latin confundere, meaning to pour together; com- (together) + fundere (to pour).
Con-found: imagine pouring two streams together into one; if they mix in a confusing way, you are confounded.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Obscure
adjectiveNot clear or easily understood; not readily noticed or known; also, to make something unclear or difficult to discern.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.