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

We see the brothers standing in the center, unharmed; the flames reaching out to afflict everyone around them; and the observers on high looking perplexed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They enlisted language experts to interpret old anatomical works written in French, Italian and Latin, sometimes in a perplexing blend of several languages.

Read more on Science Daily

“It’s a perplexing business, isn’t it?” he said.

Read more on Literature

“But who can concentrate on books at a time like this?” the perplexed young governess thought, which just goes to show what an unusual state of mind she was in.

Read more on Literature

This wasn't the ancient amphitheatre of Herodium down the road, but it was a sporting spectacle all the same, twisting and turning, bewildering and perplexing.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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