puzzlement

[ puhz-uhl-muhnt ]

noun

1. the state of being puzzled; perplexity.
2. something puzzling. puzzling.

ˈpuzzlement

/ ˈpʌzəlmənt /

noun

1. the state or condition of being puzzled; perplexity

Word History and Origins

Origin of puzzlement¹

First recorded in 1815–25; puzzle + -ment

Example Sentences

The country’s complex identity has long made it a subject of fascination and puzzlement.

From New York Times

Fowler, who first proposed establishing the seed vault in Norway, said his idea initially was met by puzzlement by the leaders of seed banks in some countries.

From Seattle Times

Markus Johnson slumped naked against the wall of his cell, skin flecked with pepper spray, his face a mask of puzzlement, exhaustion and resignation.

From New York Times

With the passion and cockiness of youth, Virgil at 20-something regards “these bitter, hard, close-to-dead people” with contempt, puzzlement and the certainty of escaping a similar fate.

From New York Times

With assets like Sarehole Mill, which has connections to Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, Rob Mayor said there was "puzzlement" at what selling it off might achieve.

From BBC

Related Words

• bewilderment
• perplexity