perplex
[ per-pleks ]
/ pərˈplɛks /
Save This Word!
verb (used with object)
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally: Her strange response perplexed me.
to make complicated or confused, as a matter or question.
to hamper with complications, confusion, or uncertainty.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON THE 12 TYPES OF VERB TENSES!
Loosen up your grammar muscles because it’s time to test your knowledge on verb tenses!
Question 1 of 6
The verb tenses can be split into which 3 primary categories?
Meet Grammar Coach
Improve Your Writing
Origin of perplex
First recorded in 1585–95; back formation from perplexed
OTHER WORDS FROM perplex
per·plex·er, nounper·plex·ing·ly, adverbun·per·plex·ing, adjectiveWords nearby perplex
perpetuate, perpetuation, perpetuity, perphenazine, Perpignan, perplex, perplexed, perplexity, per pro., per procurationem, perp walk
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use perplex in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for perplex
perplex
/ (pəˈplɛks) /
verb (tr)
to puzzle; bewilder; confuse
to complicateto perplex an issue
Word Origin for perplex
C15: from obsolete perplex (adj) intricate, from Latin perplexus entangled, from per- (thoroughly) + plectere to entwine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012