baffles

Leaves utterly puzzled

Baffles are plates, panels, or partitions that obstruct, deflect, or regulate flow—of air, sound, light, or liquid.

A speaker cabinet has baffles to direct sound waves.

Engine compartments use baffles to manage airflow.

The verb baffle means to confuse or perplex utterly: The crime baffled investigators for decades.

Something baffling defies easy understanding.

confuses

puzzles

Problems designed to challenge

bewildersCauses thorough confusion
perplexesCauses mental confusion
mystifiesConfuses thoroughly

confounds · stumps · flummoxes · befuddles · nonplusses · disorients · muddles · foxes · bamboozles · disconcerts

engineering

plates

Flat eating dishes

deflectorsSurfaces that redirect forces
vanesRotating axis attachments
partitionsBarriers dividing a space

tanks · flow · chambers · obstructions · separators · regulators · diverters · channels · containment · fuel

acoustic

soundproofing

Preventing noise transmission

panelsFlat rectangular sections
insulationThermal transfer prevention
dampingDissipation of vibrational energy

absorption · noise · partitions · deadening · barriers · muffling · studio · foam · curtains · enclosures

Categories

submarinessub, subs, torpedo, submarines, hull
Telescope Geartelescopes, reflectors, refractors, mounts, eyepieces
ventilationvent, vents, air duct, air ducts, ductwork
Water Treatmentwater plant, filtration, filtration system, chlorination, purification
stunsamazes, astounds, dumbfounds, stuns, shocks
mixersblender, hand mixer, stand mixer, whisk, food processor

Opposites

comprehension

bafflesclarifies

Makes more understandable

explains · enlightens · illuminates · elucidates · makes clear

facilitation

bafflesassists

Helps or supports

helps · aids · supports · enables · facilitates

Phrases

baffling windUnpredictable directional airflow

Family

baffle, baffled, baffling, bafflement, baffler, bafflers

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G