baffle
verb
Baffle has a few different meanings, but the most common ones are.
To confuse or bewilder someone.
To prevent something from spreading or moving freely.
To thwart or frustrate someone's plans.
Example
- The complex instructions baffled the old woman.
- The police were able to baffle the thieves' escape attempt.
- The baffle in the car's exhaust system reduces noise pollution.