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Confound
To confuse or perplex; to cause someone to mistake one thing for another or to be unable to think clearly.
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Imagine 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.
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Sounds Like
kÉn-FOUND
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Looks Like
con-found
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Remember This
In statistics, a confounding variable interferes with the apparent relationship between two variables, making it hard to tell which factor is responsible.
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Other Forms
confoundingadjective
confoundedadjective
confoundedlyadverb
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Connect With
bewilder, perplex, baffle, obscure
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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'.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- 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.
Synonyms
bewilderperplexbaffleconfusemystify
Antonyms
clarifyexplainelucidate
Etymology
From Latin confundere, meaning to pour together; com- (together) + fundere (to pour).
Mnemonic
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.
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