confounded
word · lemma: confound
Definition
Feeling confused or surprised, often because something is difficult to understand. It can also be used as an old-fashioned or formal way of saying 'damned' or expressing annoyance.
Usage & Nuances
More common in old-fashioned, literary, or formal English. As an exclamation ('confounded fool!'), it's milder than 'damned'. As an adjective, it means 'confused' or 'perplexed'. Not frequently used in modern spoken English; often found in historical or humorous contexts.
Example Sentences
He looked confounded when I asked the question.
basic
I felt confounded by the complex instructions.
basic
The results confounded the scientists.
basic
That confounded alarm clock keeps going off at midnight.
natural
He was confounded by the unexpected turn of events.
natural
Don't be so confounded stubborn!
natural