1798, "to make obscure, obscure the meaning of;" 1814, "perplex purposely," from French mystifier (1772), a verb formed irregularly from mystique "mysterious" (see mystic (adj.)) + -fier "to make" (see -fy). Related: Mystified; mystifying.

"bewildered, puzzled," by 1847, past-participle adjective from mystify.

"to dispel bewilderment, remove irrationality," 1963; see de- + mystify. Related: Demystified; demystifying.

1814, "act of mystifying;" 1817, "state of being mystified," from French mystification, noun of action from mystifier (see mystify).