confuse

Formsconfuses, confusing, confused

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To make someone unable to think clearly or understand something.

   Like trying to follow directions that point three different ways at once.

   The instructions confuse me every time I try to put the shelf together.

   Too many choices on the menu confused the new customer.

   Similarbewilder, puzzle, baffle, perplex, mystify

   Oppositeenlighten

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To mistake one thing for another, or mix two things up in your mind.

   Like calling a friend by the wrong name because two people look alike.

   People often confuse the twins because they dress alike.

   She confused my brother with his cousin at the party.

   Similarmuddle, mistake, conflate

   Oppositedistinguish, differentiate, separate

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To mix things together so they lose their order.

   Like shuffling a neat deck of cards until no order is left.

   The stampede confused the neat rows of market stalls into a tangled mess.

   Strong winds confuse the layers of sand and blend them together.

   Similarjumble, muddle, scramble, tangle, disarrange

   Oppositesort, order, arrange, organize

4. 4
   verbintransitive

   To become unable to think clearly.

   Some people confuse easily when too many things happen at once.

   The new recruits confuse quickly under heavy pressure.

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