baffle

To confuse or perplex (someone) completely; to bewilder, to confound, to puzzle.

To defeat, frustrate, or thwart (someone or their efforts, plans, etc.); to confound, to foil.

Of weather or wind: to hinder or prevent (a ship or its crew) from advancing.

To dampen, muffle, restrain, or otherwise control (a fluid, or waves travelling through a fluid such as light or sound).

To deceive or hoodwink (someone); to gull.

Followed by away or out: to deprive of (something) through cheating or manipulation; also (followed by out of), to deprive of something by cheating or manipulating (someone).

To expend effort or struggle in vain.

To argue or complain in a petty or trivial manner; to quibble.