mystification

C2 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /ˌmɪs.tə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌmɪs.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ See IPA manual

Freq #97316

Meanings

1

noun
a state or feeling of bewilderment caused by not understanding something

The abrupt cancellation left the audience in complete mystification.
2

noun
the deliberate obscuring of facts or meaning in order to confuse or deceive

The report's vague terminology seemed designed for mystification rather than explanation.
3

noun
something that puzzles, deceives, or is difficult to explain

The locked-room disappearance remained a mystification even after months of inquiry.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a state or feeling of... bewilderment bafflement perplexity confusion

2 noun · the deliberate obscuring of... obfuscationdeception misdirection

3 noun · something that puzzles,... mystery puzzle enigma

Opposites

understanding clarity explanation enlightenment

Word family

Derived forms demystification

Related forms mystify mystery obscure perplex

Etymology

Borrowed from French mystification, from mystifier 'to bewilder, deceive, or hoax.' English preserved both sides of the French word: the act of deliberately making something obscure and the resulting state of bafflement.

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# mystification

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˌmɪs.tə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
**IPA (UK):** /ˌmɪs.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
**Frequency rank:** 97316

## Meanings
1. a state or feeling of bewilderment caused by not understanding something
2. the deliberate obscuring of facts or meaning in order to confuse or deceive
3. something that puzzles, deceives, or is difficult to explain

## Examples
- The abrupt cancellation left the audience in complete mystification.
- The report's vague terminology seemed designed for mystification rather than explanation.
- The locked-room disappearance remained a mystification even after months of inquiry.

## Synonyms
- bewilderment
- bafflement
- perplexity
- obfuscation
- deception
- mystery

## Antonyms
- understanding
- clarity
- explanation
- enlightenment

## Derived Forms
- demystification

## Related Forms
- mystify
- mystery
- obscure
- perplex

## Etymology
Borrowed from French mystification, from mystifier 'to bewilder, deceive, or hoax.' English preserved both sides of the French word: the act of deliberately making something obscure and the resulting state of bafflement.

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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