perplexed
Americanadjective
-
bewildered; puzzled.
a perplexed state of mind.
-
complicated; involved; entangled.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of perplexed
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perplex “confused,” from Latin perplexus ( see per-, complex) + -ed 2
Explanation
Use the adjective perplexed to describe someone who is utterly baffled or confused. If you've ever studied for the wrong test and been surprised and confused by the exam in front of you, you've been perplexed. There's a particular bewildered kind of facial expression that goes along with the word perplexed. It's the kind of emotion that's hard to disguise. The Latin root perplexus means "confused or entangled," and "entangled" is a great way to imagine the tangled thoughts and confusion of someone who's perplexed.
Vocabulary lists containing perplexed
The Crucible
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Emotions on Display
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The perplexed faces of the agency people in those conference rooms feel familiar to me today.
From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026
“I’m perplexed. My membership is perplexed as to why they didn’t go into effect because we knew that this was going to help. We’re at a standstill right now,” Clark said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
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.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
All the while, the former secretary of state looks on perplexed.
From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026
My mother, who cannot speak English like the rest of us, wanders perplexed through the shops, inspecting the strange foods for sale.
From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai
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.
