befooling

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

befooling
    n 1: derision of someone or something as foolish or absurd or
         inconsistent [syn: {stultification}, {befooling}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Befool \Be*fool"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Befooled}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Befooling}.] [OE. befolen; pref. be- + fol fool.]
   1. To fool; to delude or lead into error; to infatuate; to
      deceive.
      [1913 Webster]

            This story . . . contrived to befool credulous men.
                                                  --Fuller.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To cause to behave like a fool; to make foolish. "Some
      befooling drug." --G. Eliot.
      [1913 Webster]