Bamboozle

usgb/bæmˈbuːzl/
verb

To cheat or trick someone.

He bamboozled his little brother into doing his chores for him.
Visual representation of "bamboozle" - To cheat or trick someone.

Often appears as...

  • bamboozle someone into
  • bamboozle someone out of

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "bamboozle"
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Sly Trick

Bamboozle implies a cunning or sly trick, often playful or not very harmful.

Illustration for Sly Trick
He managed to bamboozle his friends into swapping their snacks for his apple.
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Conversational

Preferably used in casual, conversational English rather than in formal writing or speaking.

Illustration for Conversational
I can't believe I let myself get bamboozled into attending that sales event.
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Often Humorous

Bamboozle can be used humorously to describe being tricked in a light-hearted situation.

Illustration for Often Humorous
The magician bamboozled the crowd with his impossible card tricks.
Visual representation of the word "Bamboozle"

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