1550s, in literal sense "mix or mingle things so as to render the elements indistinguishable;" attested from mid-18c. in active, figurative sense of "discomfit in mind or feeling;" not in general use until 19c., taking over senses formerly belonging to confound, dumbfound, flabbergast etc. The past participle confused (q.v.) is attested much earlier (serving as an alternative past tense to confound), and the verb here might be a back-formation from it. Related: Confusing.
双语例句
1. I think it's a serious mistake to confuse books with life.
我认为把书本同生活混为一谈是大错特错。
来自柯林斯例句
2. This is an attempt to confuse form and [ with ] substance.
这是企图把形式同实质混 淆.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. People are apt to confuse the two issues.
人们容易把这两个问题混淆起来.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4. Don't confuse Austria with [ and ] Australia.
不要把奥地利与澳大利亚弄混 淆 了.
来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
5. Do not draw it on the chart, however, as this will confuse the issue.