bedevil
1. [ verb ] treat cruelly
Synonyms: crucify tantalize rag dun frustrate torment
Examples:

"The children tormented the stuttering teacher"

Related terms: annoy harass tease persecute hamstring madden tormentor frustration harassment badgering
2. [ verb ] be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
Synonyms: confuse confound befuddle fuddle fox discombobulate throw
Examples:

: "These questions confuse even the experts" "This question completely threw me" "This question befuddled even the teacher"

Related terms: be perplex disorient demoralize confuse confusion