bedazzle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Mainly literary, informal, sometimes journalistic. Not typical in formal technical or legal writing.
Quick answer
What does “bedazzle” mean?
To overwhelm or impress someone with a striking, often brilliant or flashy appearance, causing temporary inability to think clearly or judge rationally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To overwhelm or impress someone with a striking, often brilliant or flashy appearance, causing temporary inability to think clearly or judge rationally.
To dazzle or confuse to the point of disorientation; to impress greatly through showiness or splendour. Also used in a more figurative sense to describe overwhelming with complexity or information (e.g., 'bedazzled by data').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition or usage. The verb form is used similarly. The past participle 'bedazzled' as an adjective (e.g., 'bedazzled dress') is common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word can have a slightly playful or ironic tone when used in modern contexts. It may imply superficial impressiveness.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, particularly in marketing, fashion, and entertainment journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “bedazzle” in a Sentence
[Subject] bedazzles [Object] (with [Instrument])[Subject] is bedazzled by [Agent/Stimulus]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedazzle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magician's finale was designed to bedazzle the entire theatre.
- Don't try to bedazzle them with jargon; just give the plain facts.
American English
- The halftime show will bedazzle the stadium with lasers and pyrotechnics.
- He tried to bedazzle the investors with a flashy presentation.
adverb
British English
- (Not a standard part of speech for this word. Example not applicable.)
American English
- (Not a standard part of speech for this word. Example not applicable.)
adjective
British English
- She wore a bedazzled denim jacket to the festival.
- The panto dame's costume was suitably bedazzled.
American English
- The singer's bedazzled microphone was her trademark.
- They sell bedazzled sneakers online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in marketing language: 'The new design will bedazzle our competitors.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary or cultural criticism: 'The protagonist is bedazzled by the glamour of the city.'
Everyday
Common in description of fashion, performances, or overwhelming experiences: 'Her bedazzled phone case caught everyone's eye.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedazzle”
- Using it to mean simple 'decoration' (It's an effect *on the viewer*). Confusing it with 'bejewel'. Using it in a negative context without irony (e.g., 'The bad news bedazzled him' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily used in informal, literary, or journalistic contexts. It is rare in formal academic or technical writing.
'Bedazzle' is more intensive. While 'dazzle' means to impress greatly or blind with light, 'bedazzle' implies overwhelming to the point of confusion or temporary mental paralysis. 'Bedazzle' also has a stronger metaphorical usage.
Yes, very commonly, especially in fashion and design (e.g., a bedazzled gown, bedazzled jeans). It means decorated with many small, sparkling objects.
Not always. While it often describes a positive reaction to something impressive, it can carry an ironic or critical tone, suggesting the impressiveness is superficial or deliberately deceptive (e.g., 'bedazzled by false promises').
To overwhelm or impress someone with a striking, often brilliant or flashy appearance, causing temporary inability to think clearly or judge rationally.
Bedazzle: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈdæz.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈdæz.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All that glitters is not gold (related conceptual warning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BED covered in sequins and glitter (AZZLE sounds like 'dazzle')—it would BEDAZZLE you, making it hard to sleep from all the sparkle!
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING / CONFUSION IS BLINDING LIGHT. Being 'bedazzled' is being mentally 'blinded' by something impressive, preventing clear thought.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'bedazzle' used most appropriately?