"Baffled" refers to a state of confusion or perplexity where someone is unable to understand or make sense of a situation. This feeling can arise from unexpected events, complex problems, or unclear information, leading to frustration and uncertainty. In literature and film, characters often experience being baffled when faced with mysteries or challenges that seem insurmountable. For example, in the Sherlock Holmes stories, the detective often encounters baffling clues that require deep analysis to unravel the truth behind a case.