mystify
Leave completely baffled
To mystify is to bewilder or perplex—to leave someone unable to understand or explain what they're seeing: The magician's trick mystified the audience.
It often implies deliberate obscuring: Bureaucratic language mystifies simple processes.
Something mystifying is puzzling in a way that resists easy explanation: Her sudden resignation mystified everyone who knew her.
Confuse or perplex
- perplexCause utter confusion
- bewilderCause utter confusion
- puzzleChallenge testing ingenuity
- flummoxTo thoroughly confuse
stump · befuddle · discombobulate · confound · nonplus · dumbfound · disorient · bemuse
Make unclear intentionally
- cloudAtmospheric water vapor mass
- veilFabric that obscures
- shroudBurial cloth or covering
- cloakSleeveless outer wrap
conceal · mask · camouflage · murky · opaque · cryptic · inscrutable · impenetrable
Hold attention irresistibly
- fascinateIntensely attract and hold
- enthrallTo fascinate utterly
- mesmerizeCapture attention completely
- entrancePoint of access
spellbind · beguile · enchant · allure · tantalize · bewitch · charm · rivet
Performer of visual deception
- conjurerPerformer of magic tricks
- prestidigitationSkillful hand-based illusions
- sleight-of-handSkillful manual deception
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
trick · hocus-pocus · illusion · deception · stagecraft · Houdini · mentalism · levitation
baffle
Confuse or perplex
flummox · stump · befuddle · discombobulate · confound · nonplus · dumbfound · disorient · bemuse · muddle
obfuscate
Make unclear intentionally
cloak · conceal · mask · camouflage · murky · opaque · cryptic · inscrutable · impenetrable · unfathomable
captivate
Hold attention irresistibly
- fascinateIntensely attract and hold
- enthrallTo fascinate utterly
- mesmerizeCapture attention completely
entrance · spellbind · beguile · enchant · allure · tantalize · bewitch · charm · rivet · engross
illusionist
Performer of visual deception
- conjurerPerformer of magic tricks
- prestidigitationSkillful hand-based illusions
- sleight-of-handSkillful manual deception
misdirection · trick · hocus-pocus · illusion · deception · stagecraft · Houdini · mentalism · levitation · vanishing
- screensaversstarfield, matrix code, bouncing logo, marquee, pipes
- stunstun, daze, shock, stupefy, stagger
- mystical creaturesSupernatural beings from folklore
- mystical experiencesTranscendent encounters with ultimate reality
- mystical powersSupernatural abilities beyond explanation
- mystical artsSupernatural esoteric practices
- mystical journeyTransformative search for meaning
- mystical visionsSupernatural perceptions of beyond
mystical, mystic, mysticism, mystifying, mystified, demystify, mystification, mystifies, mystically