First Known Use: 1593
Dictionary
perplex
verb per·plex \pər-ˈpleks\
: to confuse (someone) very much
Full Definition of PERPLEX
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
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See perplex defined for kids
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Origin of PERPLEX
Related to PERPLEX
- Synonyms
- complex, complexify, embarrass, entangle, complicate, sophisticate
- Antonyms
- simplify, streamline
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with PERPLEX
PERPLEXING Defined for Kids
perplex
verb per·plex \pər-ˈpleks\
per·plexedper·plex·ing
Definition of PERPLEX for Kids
: to make unable to understand : confuse <The math lesson perplexed me.>
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