Addle - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Addle means to confuse or muddle someone’s mind, making them unable to think clearly. It can also describe something that has spoiled or become rotten, especially an egg.
Definition:
To confuse or muddle, especially the mind; to make unclear or ineffective.
Synonyms:
confuse, befuddle, muddle, fluster
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
clarify, enlighten
Common Collocations:
addle the brain, addle one's thoughts, addle an egg
Derivatives:
addled, addling
Usage Tips:
Use "addle" to describe mental confusion or the spoiling of something, like an egg going bad.
Common Phrases:
addle one's brains, addle-headed, addle-pated
Etymology:
From Old English *adela*, meaning filth or liquid manure; later evolved to mean "rot" or "confuse."
Examples:
- 1. The heat began to addle his thoughts during the exam.
- 2. Don't let fear addle your judgment in critical moments.
- 3. The old eggs had started to addle and smelled terrible.
- 4. Her constant chatter seemed to addle his concentration completely.