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 Words From

• per·plex·er 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

She perplexed record labels that weren’t sure what category to put her in.

From Washington Post

I heard nothing, and I am somewhat hurt and perplexed by this.

From Washington Post

However, cases are still surging across the country, a new variant continues to perplex researchers, and vaccines are rolling out at a slower than optimal pace.

From Popular-Science

Even people who have arrived at the Vatican wearing masks remove them when meeting with the pontiff, in a practice that has perplexed outsiders and caused concern among some Vatican officials.

From Washington Post

It perplexes me that some of the questions I have most often been asked about dogs, and that I have about my own dog, are not addressed by research.

From Freakonomics

Two-thirds of my life are already gone; why, then, should I perplex myself so much about the remainder?

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't want to perplex you, but I have done something," said Nick, getting up.

From Project Gutenberg

I should have lived only to worry and perplex him, and something in me tells me this is right.'

From Project Gutenberg

The first questions must never perplex or embarrass the pupil, for they are very important.

From Project Gutenberg

But a trouble weigh'd upon her,And perplex'd her, night and morn, With the burden of an honorUnto which she was not born.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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