perplex

[ per-pleks ]
See synonyms for: perplexperplexedperplexing on Thesaurus.com

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.

  2. to make complicated or confused, as a matter or question.

  1. to hamper with complications, confusion, or uncertainty.

Origin of perplex

1
First recorded in 1585–95; back formation from perplexed

Other words for perplex

Other words from perplex

  • per·plex·er, noun

Words Nearby perplex

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use perplex in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for perplex

perplex

/ (pəˈplɛks) /


verb(tr)
  1. to puzzle; bewilder; confuse

  2. to complicate: to perplex an issue

Origin of perplex

1
C15: from obsolete perplex (adj) intricate, from Latin perplexus entangled, from per- (thoroughly) + plectere to entwine

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