perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks 

perplexed; perplexing; perplexes

transitive verb

1

: to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something

her attitude perplexes me

a perplexing problem

2

: to make intricate or involved : complicate

Synonyms

• complex
• complexify
• complicate
• embarrass
• entangle
• sophisticate

Choose the Right Synonym for perplex

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally.

puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Examples of perplex in a Sentence

Questions about the meaning of life have always perplexed humankind.

let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, many are perplexed by why Disney folded so early in the legal process. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024

Behind the scenes: During their first active shooter drill of the year, Stinger was perplexed by the questions her 7- and 8-year-old students asked. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024

The authors were perplexed that the bottom of the ocean appeared to change depths at various times of the day. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

But in a new interview with Variety, both actors have now said they were momentarily perplexed by what the reporter meant. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine — more at per-, ply

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks 

1

: to block the understanding of

especially : confuse sense 1a, bewilder

2

: to make difficult to understand : complicate

perplexed

-ˈplekst

adjective

perplexedly

-ˈplek-səd-lē

-ˈpleks-tlē

adverb