baffle
/ˈbæfl̩/noun
A built-in structural element meant to disorient attackers or leave them exposed.
Example sentences
- “The fort's entrance had a baffle that forced intruders to turn a sharp corner.”
- “Engineers added a baffle inside the tank to stop the fuel from shifting suddenly.”
Most often a verb meaning to confuse completely: "the case baffled police". As a noun it usually names a sound-deadening panel.