Bewilder is a compound word, first attested from around 1680, composed of two archaic elements:

Be- is an old prefix; it also appears in bewitch, bespatter, behead, etc. The prefix originally meant “about” (it is related to by), but became (there it is again!) a general purpose prefix that slightly alters the meaning of the word that it’s attached to.

Wilder is also an old word. It’s probably a backformation from wilderness: the element wilder, which originally was an adjective meaning “wild, savage”, was reinterpreted to be a verb meaning “to make wild; lead astray”.

In bewilder, be- is acting as an intesifier: you’re not just being wildered, you’re being bewildered.

In bewilderment, the Latinate suffix -ment changes the verb into a noun indicating the end state.

Wilder starts out with the force of will (”w”), the energy of which is wound up tightly and tensely (short “i”), and fills the space (”l”) of a doorway or decision (”d”), and pumped with power (”r”). The overall impression is that of a will that is energized, but also paralyzed by indecision. The be- prefix indicates a sudden onset with high energy.

Thanks to Ali for suggesting this word of the day!

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