bamboozle

Definition

To con, defraud, trick, to make a fool of, to humbug or impose on someone.

Etymology

Derivative of 17th-century vernacular bam (“to trick, to con”), which is a derivative of bam in noun use (fraudster, cheat). Possibly from French embobiner.

Example Sentences

• "“Look here, friend,” said I, “if you have anything important to tell us, out with it; but if you are only trying to bamboozle us, you are mistaken in your game; that’s all I have to say.”"
• "He's completely bamboozled by the changes in the computer system."
• ""Although Morphy misplays the opening, it does not take him long to bamboozle his opponent.""