nonplus

[ non-pluhs ]

verb (used with object)

nonplussing or nonplusingnonplussed or nonplused

1. to render utterly perplexed by something unexpected; puzzle completely:

   He nonplussed his questioners by answering in riddles.

   Synonyms: disconcert, confound, confuse, perplex

2. to cause to feel indifferent, calm, or unexcited:

   The shoppers were entirely nonplussed by the disturbance in the street, continuing to gaze at window displays as they strolled along.

noun

1. a state of utter perplexity:

   When the protagonist's wife suddenly disappears, he's at a nonplus and fights with two different feelings.

nonplus

/ nɒnˈplʌs /

verb

1. tr to put at a loss; confound

   he was nonplussed by the sudden announcement

noun

1. a state of utter perplexity prohibiting action or speech

Usage Note

See nonplussed ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonplus¹

First recorded in 1575–85; (noun) from Latin nōn plūs literally, “not more, no further,” that is, a state in which nothing more can be done

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonplus¹

C16: from Latin nōn plūs no further (that is, nothing further can be said or done)

Example Sentences

“For Greeks, the pillars marked the end of the known world. The Romans said the pillars were inscribed with a Latin warning—” “Nonplus ultra,” Percy said.

From Literature

But at times some extremely artless animadversions are heard that almost nonplus us.

From Project Gutenberg

The young lord, thus abandoned, looked at first at a nonplus, and seemed for a while more than half-inclined to follow.

From Project Gutenberg

And the gold"--he paused and seemed to be at a nonplus--"I'm afraid 'twould take too long to count it.

From Project Gutenberg

Nonplus, non′plus, n. a state in which no more can be done or said: great difficulty.—v.t. to perplex completely, to puzzle:—pr.p. non′plussing; pa.t. and pa.p. non′plussed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• astonish
• astound
• baffle
• bewilder
• daze
• disconcert
• dumbfound
• faze
• fluster
• mystify