View synonyms for nonplus

nonplus

[ non-pluhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

nonplussed or nonplusednonplussing or nonplusing

to render utterly perplexed by something unexpected; puzzle completely:
He nonplussed his questioners by answering in riddles.
Synonyms: disconcert, confound, confuse, perplex
to cause to feel indifferent, calm, or unexcited:
The shoppers were entirely nonplussed by the disturbance in the street, continuing to gaze at window displays as they strolled along.

a state of utter perplexity:
When the protagonist's wife suddenly disappears, he's at a nonplus and fights with two different feelings.

nonplus

/ nɒnˈplʌs /

Origin of nonplus¹

First recorded in 1575–85; (noun) from Latin nōn plūs literally, “not more, no further,” that is, a state in which nothing more can be done

Origin of nonplus¹

C16: from Latin nōn plūs no further (that is, nothing further can be said or done)

"I know of many," he answered, with a smile, an answer which by its simplicity seemed to nonplus the Duke.

The renegade was a little at a nonplus, as he never had undergone the operation which he had described.

The inquiring mind is at a nonplus, and is likely to remain so.

He finds doubts and scruples better than resolves them, and has always some argument to nonplus himself.

The idea at the bottom of the piece is that the devil will carry off the wee boy if he can nonplus him.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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