baffle

/ˈbæfəl/
noun
  1. A device (such as a panel or screen) used to control or block the flow of sound, light, liquid, or gas.
    • The speaker has a built-in baffle to improve sound quality.
    • A light baffle prevents glare from the overhead lamp.
    • Engineers installed a baffle in the pipe to reduce water turbulence.
verb
  1. To confuse or puzzle someone completely; to make someone unable to understand or explain something.
    • Scientists were baffled by the sudden change in the animal's behavior.
    • Her strange question baffled me, and I didn't know how to answer.
    • The complicated instructions baffled most of the students.
  2. To prevent something from happening or to block something, such as sound, light, or a flow of liquid or gas.
    • The thick curtains baffle the noise from the street.
    • The design of the muffler helps baffle the sound of the exhaust.
    • A special panel in the engine baffles the flow of air to reduce vibration.