perplex

[ per-pleks ]
/ pərˈplɛks /

verb (used with object)

to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally: Her strange response perplexed me.
to make complicated or confused, as a matter or question.
to hamper with complications, confusion, or uncertainty.

Origin of perplex

First recorded in 1585–95; back formation from perplexed

OTHER WORDS FROM perplex

per·plex·er, noun per·plex·ing·ly, adverb un·per·plex·ing, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for perplex

British Dictionary definitions for perplex

perplex
/ (pəˈplɛks) /

verb (tr)

to puzzle; bewilder; confuse
to complicate to perplex an issue

Word Origin for perplex

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