confuse
UK: kənˈfjuːz | US: kənˈfjuːz
vt. to make someone unable to think clearly or understand something
vt. to mistake one thing for another
vt. to make something complicated or difficult to follow
The word "confuse" originates from Latin confusus, the past participle of confundere ("to pour together, mix, blend"). The morpheme con- means "together," and -fuse derives from fundere ("to pour"). The literal sense of "mixing liquids" evolved metaphorically to mean "mixing up thoughts" or "causing mental disorder," leading to the modern meaning of creating bewilderment or lack of clarity.
The complex instructions confused the new employees.
She confused salt with sugar while baking.
His vague explanation only confused the audience further.
The similar-looking twins often confuse their teachers.
Too many choices can confuse customers.