confound
/kənˈfaʊnd/
Group 20Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To cause surprise or confusion in; to prove wrong; to mix up GRE
Example in Context
The results confounded expectations, showing that the intervention worked best in the population least expected to benefit.
Synonyms
confusepuzzlebaffle
Etymology
Pouring together confusion and surprise.
- con- (Latin) — together
- fundere (Latin) — to pour
Memory Aid
🤯Sounds like “confound”
Picture a wizard who tries to CONFUSE everyone by pouring a potion that makes their heads EXPLODE!
Visual Association
🎩A magician pulling a bewildered rabbit out of a hat, leaving the audience in astonished confusion.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “confound” mean on the GRE?
confound (verb) means “To cause surprise or confusion in; to prove wrong; to mix up”. The results confounded expectations, showing that the intervention worked best in the population least expected to benefit.
How to remember “confound” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “confound” sounds like “confound”. Picture a wizard who tries to CONFUSE everyone by pouring a potion that makes their heads EXPLODE!
What are synonyms for “confound”?
Common synonyms: confuse, puzzle, baffle.