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

How the best netminder on ice seemingly lost his powers overnight is perhaps the most perplexing question of the NHL postseason so far.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Schottenstein, an Orthodox Jew, was perplexed at the criticism that the campaign smacked of eugenics, the Nazi-embraced theory that selective reproduction can advance the human race.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

People who knew the family were perplexed at what went wrong.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Heitmann said she was “perplexed” by the delays and begged the agency for guidance.

Read more on Salon

Though retired, Graham is drawn back in by a perplexing new case.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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