kənˈfjuːʒən dɪsəˈɹeɪ a mistake that results from taking one thing to be another he changed his name in order to avoid confusion with the notorious outlaw an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior a confusion of impressions a feeling of embarrassment that leaves you confused disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably the army retreated in confusion