perplex
Americanverb (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.
verb
-
to puzzle; bewilder; confuse
-
to complicate
to perplex an issue
Other Word Forms
- perplexer noun
Etymology
Origin of perplex
First recorded in 1585–95; back formation from perplexed
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.
All which makes his disappearance on 3 April 2017 so perplexing.
From BBC
The ease and modesty present in “Marc by Sofia” sometimes seem perplexing.
From Salon
The official he first informs of this is plainly perplexed as to how such contact was made, but careful not to complain.
I was perplexed that Rabbi Levine’s excellent piece left out a critical element: The story’s climax isn’t only the execution of Haman and his family of henchmen.
“The Bride!” is surprising and strange, perplexing and aggravating.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
