perplex

[per-pleks]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally.

   Her strange response perplexed me.

   Synonyms: confound, mystify

2. to make complicated or confused, as a matter or question.

   Synonyms: snarl, tangle

3. to hamper with complications, confusion, or uncertainty.

   Synonyms: bother, annoy, vex

perplex

/ pəˈplɛks /

verb

1. to puzzle; bewilder; confuse

2. to complicate

   to perplex an issue

Other Word Forms

• perplexer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perplex¹

First recorded in 1585–95; back formation from perplexed

Word History and Origins

Origin of perplex¹

C15: from obsolete perplex (adj) intricate, from Latin perplexus entangled, from per- (thoroughly) + plectere to entwine

Example Sentences

Muir was left perplexed by her failure to progress in the women's 1500m after she faded from contention in the closing stages.

From BBC

He told MPs that he was "perplexed that the first minister has not welcomed it", adding: "I would have expected the first minister to be holding a press conference to celebrate what we've done."

From BBC

But India is completely perplexed with the US and its position: "So it's a smart move – and feeds into the multipolar narrative that both India and China believe in."

From BBC

This perplexed many in the mainstream news media, because it didn’t make any sense from a strategic, military or political point of view.

From Salon

But with each passing episode, it always seemed like I was at the wrong table, perplexed and trying not to be rude with all the “But why?” questions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astonish 
• astound 
• baffle 
• befuddle 
• bewilder 
• complicate 
• confound 
• dumbfound 
• encumber 
• mystify 
• nonplus 
• perturb 
• puzzle 
• surprise