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puzzlement

[puhz-uh l-muh nt]
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noun
  1. the state of being puzzled; perplexity.
  2. something puzzling.
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Origin of puzzlement

First recorded in 1815–25; puzzle + -ment
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

perplexitybewildermentstuportranceshockmystificationmuddlebefuddlementhazefogstupefactionmazeglazediscombobulationdistractionnarcosisgauze

Examples from the Web for puzzlement

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • While they waited he gave Beardsley a look of puzzlement and new respect.

  • But still, his features mirrored no recognition or alarm; only puzzlement.

    G-r-r-r...!

    Roger Arcot

  • And old Brooks, over him, gazed at the wet figure with puzzlement and pity.

  • Now Jed felt it too, and looked at Cal with puzzlement on his face.

    Eight Keys to Eden

    Mark Irvin Clifton

  • Raoul glanced at his men as they came to a halt, puzzlement showing in their gestures.

    Shaman

    Robert Shea

British Dictionary definitions for puzzlement

puzzlement

noun
  1. the state or condition of being puzzled; perplexity
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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

Word Origin and History for puzzlement

n.

1822, from puzzle + -ment.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper