bewilderment

[ bih-wil-der-muhnt ]

noun

1. bewildered bewildered state.
2. a confusing maze or tangle, as of objects or conditions:

   a bewilderment of smoke, noise, and pushing people.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewilderment¹

First recorded in 1810–20; bewilder + -ment

Example Sentences

“There was bewilderment about what perspective I was writing from,” says the bestselling author, whose sixth novel, “Colored Television,” is out now.

From Los Angeles Times

I watched in bewilderment as he walked onto the floor to introduce himself to a beautiful brunette in a red dress.

From Los Angeles Times

Given his success, prestige, and ability to attract A-list guests, his abrupt termination in 2003 was, initially, a source of bewilderment.

From Salon

In his bewilderment Holmes would have been entitled to repeat the famous Green line four decades on.

From BBC

Zelensky spoke with a mixture of frustration and bewilderment at the West’s reluctance to take bolder steps to ensure that Ukraine wins the war.

From New York Times

Related Words

• confusion
• disorientation
• perplexity