perplex
verb (used with object)
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally.
had perplexed
-
past perfectof perplex.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The fundamental question that drove the initial study was really a question that had perplexed the skeletal muscle biology community," said Ben Cosgrove, associate professor of biomedical engineering and the paper's senior author.
From Science Daily ● Dec. 2, 2024
In response to Mr Abiy, its statements have been terse and acerbic, pointedly refusing to join the "discourses" of its former ally on a matter that had "perplexed all concerned observers".
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2023
The Washington Capitals had vowed to solve the New York Rangers on Friday night, to not fall into the same early hole that had perplexed them in two earlier losses to their East Division rivals.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 19, 2021
In the end, the Huskies finally solved a Washington State defense that had perplexed them for about two-and-a-half games this season, and the fact that they have more weapons than the Cougars showed itself.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 11, 2011
It was a question, he said, which had perplexed him a good deal, but he never had had any one to converse with on the subject.
From Callista : a Tale of the Third Century by John Henry Newman
