noun
mystification
mis-tih-fih-KAY-shun/ˌmɪstɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/
Confusion caused by something difficult to understand.
The woman examines the puzzle box in mystification, unable to find an opening.
Etymology
Combining “mysterious” with “make,” the word names the act of making something obscure. It also came to name the resulting state of puzzlement, including confusion deliberately produced.
In context
he will give us the elucidation that he promised me some time ago I am devoured by curiosity as to how he unraveled the web of mystification that the villain vendelo spun round himself
More examples
- His explanation only adds to my mystification.
- To our mystification, the locked door swings open.
- The students' expressions of mystification prompt the teacher to explain again.
Forms
mystification
mystify verb — To confuse or puzzle someone.
mystifying adjective — Difficult to understand or explain.
Similar words
- puzzlement
- Emphasizes uncertainty about a particular question or unexpected situation.
- bewilderment
- Suggests stronger confusion that leaves someone unsure how to respond.
- confusion
- Covers broader failures to understand, including mixing things up.