What does confound mean?
"Confound" is a verb meaning to confuse or bewilder someone, particularly by contradicting what they expected. When a result defies predictions — an underdog winning a match, a stock soaring despite bad news — we say it confounded the experts. A second sense involves mixing things up: confusing one thing with another, as in confounding two distinct issues. The word carries a formal, slightly literary register, and it frequently appears in journalism and commentary, where outcomes that "confound expectations" are a staple of headlines. Historically, "confound" also meant to destroy or ruin, a sense preserved in old texts and in the mild oath "confound it!" Derived forms include the adjective "confounded" (used both literally and as an intensifier of annoyance) and the noun "confounder." Its Latin roots — from "confundere," to pour together — connect it to "confusion" and "confuse," making its history as vivid as its modern use.
verbTo cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations. Also, to mix up or fail to distinguish between different things.
- To cause surprise or confusion in someone, especially by acting against their expectations.
- To mix up or fail to distinguish between things (e.g., 'confound the two issues').
- (Archaic) To defeat or ruin; to bring to naught.
"The team's stunning victory confounded all the pundits who had written them off."
"The election result confounded nearly every pollster and commentator."
"In his haste, he confounded the two similar-looking documents and sent the wrong one."
In Shakespeare's day, "confound" could be a curse — characters literally wished ruin upon their enemies with the word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of confound
"Confound" comes from the Latin "confundere," meaning "to pour together" or "to mingle," formed from "com-" (together) and "fundere" (to pour). It entered English via Old French "confondre" in the Middle Ages, originally carrying strong senses of overthrowing, ruining, or bringing to shame. Over time the dominant modern senses developed: mixing things up indistinguishably, and bewildering someone by defeating their expectations. It shares its Latin root with "confuse," "confusion," and "fusion."
Related word forms
How confound is actually used
"Confound" is somewhat formal or literary in tone. It often carries a connotation of pleasant surprise when used with words like "expectations" or "critics," but can also express frustration (as in the mild expletive "confound it!"). The archaic sense of "ruin or destroy" survives mainly in older literature and set phrases.
Easily confused with confound
"Confront" means to face someone or something directly, while "confound" means to confuse or bewilder.
"Confute" means to prove a person or argument wrong, whereas "confound" means to confuse or defeat expectations.