muddle

muddle

Pronunciation: ⁄ˈmʌd(ə)l⁄

verb

[with object]

·              1bring into a disordered or confusing state:

they were muddling up the cards

·    confuse (a person or their thoughts):

Paul was hopelessly muddled by the rates of exchange

·    [no object, with adverbial] busy oneself in an aimless or ineffective way:

he was muddling about in the kitchen

·              2mix (a drink) or stir (an ingredient) into a drink.

noun

[usually in singular]

·              an untidy and disorganized state or collection:

the finances were in a muddle[mass noun]:she was able to cut through confusion and muddle

·    a mistake arising from or resulting in confusion:

a bureaucratic muddle