1. a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy
2. check the emission of (sound)
3. be a mystery or bewildering to; "This beats me!"; "Got me--I don''t know the answer!"; "a vexing problem"; "This question really stuck me"
4. hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; "What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth''s amazing September surge"; "foil your opponent"

Similar Words: baffle board, regulate, perplex, vex, stick, get, puzzle, mystify, beat, pose, bewilder, flummox, stupefy, nonplus, gravel, amaze, dumbfound, thwart, queer, spoil, scotch, foil, cross, frustrate, bilk

 

See Also: puzzle over, solve, work out, figure out, puzzle out, lick, work, double cross

 

Hyponyms: diffuser, diffusor, stump, mix up, riddle, elude, escape, disappoint, let down, dash, short-circuit, ruin

 

Derivational Morphology: regulate, baffle board, stupefaction, bewilderment, obfuscation, puzzlement, befuddlement, mystification, bafflement, bemusement, poser, stumper, toughie, sticker, puzzle, puzzler, mystifier, teaser, mystery, enigma, secret, closed book, frustration, defeat, thwarting, foiling, cross, crown of thorns, obstructionist, obstructor, obstructer, resister, thwarter

 

Anagrams: befall