· a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy

Synonym(s): baffle_board

Hypernym(s): plate

· be a mystery or bewildering to; "This beats me!"; "Got me--I don't know the answer!"; "a vexing problem"; "This question really stuck me"

Synonym(s): perplex, vex, stick, get, puzzle, mystify, beat, pose, bewilder, flummox, stupefy, nonplus, gravel, amaze, dumbfound

Hypernym(s): confuse, throw, fox, befuddle, fuddle, bedevil, confound, discombobulate

· hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; "What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge"; "foil your opponent"

Synonym(s): thwart, queer, spoil, scotch, foil, cross, frustrate, bilk

Hypernym(s): prevent, forestall, foreclose, preclude, forbid

· restrain the emission of (sound, fluid, etc.)

Synonym(s): regulate

Hypernym(s): restrain, keep, keep_back, hold_back