confound

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Confound' refers to causing surprise or confusion, particularly by disrupting someone's expectations. Like a magician confounding an audience with a really good magic trick.

Examples in Different Contexts

In plots, authors use twists to 'confound' readers. An author might admit, 'I added that twist to confound and engage the audience more deeply.'

Practice Scenarios

Tech

Scenario:

The security algorithms need to be robust and inviolable. It should tumble any unauthorized attempt.

Response:

We should confound potential hackers by obfuscating our security algorithms.

Creative

Scenario:

We need our storytelling to break from convention to engage our audience. Something they've never seen before.

Response:

Perhaps, the unpredictability of the love triangle will confound the viewers.