SuaviloquyToday’s word

bewilder

Bewilder, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bewildered; p. pr. & vb. n. Bewildering.]

Etymology: [Pref. be- + wilder.]

To lead into perplexity or confusion, as for want of a plain path; to perplex with mazes; or in general, to perplex or confuse greatly. Lost and bewildered in the fruitless search. Addison.

Syn. -- To perplex; puzzle; entangle; confuse; confound; mystify; embarrass; lead astray.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for bewilder; he lists it under abash.

Where he writes about it:

Sudden joy may bewilder, but will not abash. — from abash