puzzlement

[puhz-uh l-muh nt]

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noun

the state of being puzzled; perplexity.

something puzzling.

Origin of puzzlement

First recorded in 1815–25; puzzle + -ment

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for puzzlement

perplexity, bewilderment, stupor, trance, shock, mystification, muddle, befuddlement, haze, fog, stupefaction, maze, glaze, discombobulation, distraction, narcosis, gauze

Examples from the Web for puzzlement

Contemporary Examples of puzzlement

Elation turned to puzzlement as six infected nuns who received infusions all died.
Infected Ebola Doctor Kent Brantly Is an Endangered Hero
Michael Daly
August 3, 2014

Historical Examples of puzzlement

While they waited he gave Beardsley a look of puzzlement and new respect.
We're Friends, Now
Henry Hasse
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.
Gilian The Dreamer
Neil Munro
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

the state or condition of being puzzled; perplexity

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

1822, from puzzle + -ment.