Standard Lemma guide

bedazzle

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /bɪˈdæzl̩/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -æzəl

1

verb

Meaning 1

To confuse or disarm by dazzling.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Near-synonym: daze
  • He was bedazzled by her charm and wit.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: daze

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To decorate with sequins or other sparkly material; to bespangle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

Examples

  • She bedazzled her handbag.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: embellish

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

to cause someone to lose clear vision, especially from intense light

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She was dazzled by the bright headlights

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: dazzle, daze

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: blind

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h1ep-der. Proto-Indo-European *h1épsder. Proto-Indo-European *h1epider. Proto-Indo-European *h1pi Proto-Germanic *bider. Proto-Germanic *bi- Proto-West Germanic *bi- Old English be- Middle English bi- English be- English dazzle English bedazzle From be- + dazzle.