nonplus
[ non-pluhs, non-pluhs ]
/ nɒnˈplʌs, ˈnɒn plʌs /
verb (used with object), non·plussed or non·plused, non·plus·sing or non·plus·ing.
to render utterly perplexed; puzzle completely.
noun
a state of utter perplexity.
Nearby words
Origin of nonplus
1575–85; (noun) < Latin nōn plūs literally, not more, no further, i.e., a state in which nothing more can be done
SYNONYMS FOR nonplus
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for nonplus
British Dictionary definitions for nonplus
nonplus
/ (nɒnˈplʌs) /
verb -plusses, -plussing or -plussed or US -pluses, -plusing or -plused
(tr) to put at a loss; confoundhe was nonplussed by the sudden announcement
noun plural -pluses
a state of utter perplexity prohibiting action or speech
Word Origin for nonplus
C16: from Latin nōn plūs no further (that is, nothing further can be said or done)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for nonplus
nonplus
"to bring to a nonplus, to perplex," 1590s, from the noun (1580s), properly "state where 'nothing more' can be done or said," from Latin non plus "no more, no further" (see plus). Related: Nonplussed.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper