haze
UK: heɪz | US: heɪz
n. a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles
n. a state of mental confusion or vagueness
vt. to harass or bully someone, especially as part of an initiation ritual
The word "haze" likely originated in the early 17th century, possibly derived from the Old English hasu (gray) or Middle Dutch haes (gray, dusky). It originally described atmospheric obscuration before expanding metaphorically to mental confusion. The verb form, meaning to harass, emerged in the 19th century, possibly influenced by the disorienting effect of haze.
The morning haze made the distant mountains barely visible.
After the long flight, she was in a haze of exhaustion.
Fraternities often haze new members with exhausting tasks.
The city skyline disappeared behind a thick industrial haze.
His mind was in a haze after reading the complicated report.