Bewilder/bɪˈwɪldər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Bewilder often implies a sense of frustration or helplessness. The foreign language instructions bewildered the tourists, making them feel helpless. Pro Tip 2/3Less Intense 'Bewilder' is less intense than 'flabbergast' which suggests shock. Her unexpected question bewildered him, but didn't flabbergast. Pro Tip 3/3Sudden Confusion Use 'bewilder' when confusion arises suddenly, not over time. His abrupt change in topic bewildered his audience.