mystify
UK: ˈmɪstɪfaɪ | US: ˈmɪstɪfaɪ
vt. to deliberately make something confusing or difficult to understand
vt. to bewilder or perplex someone
The word "mystify" emerged in the early 19th century, combining "myst" (root of "mystery") with "-ify," a suffix used to create verbs meaning "to make." It originally described the act of obscuring knowledge, much like ancient mystery cults guarded their secrets. Over time, it broadened to mean general confusion or deception.
The magician's tricks never fail to mystify the audience.
Her vague answers only served to mystify the investigators further.
The ancient manuscript was written in code to mystify uninitiated readers.
He tried to mystify his opponents with complex jargon.
The sudden disappearance of the artifact mystified historians for decades.