perplexed

[ per-plekst ]

adjective

1. bewildered; puzzled:

   a perplexed state of mind.

2. complicated; involved; entangled.

Other Words From

• per·plex·ed·ly [per-, plek, -sid-lee], adverb
• per·plexed·ness noun
• self-per·plexed adjective
• unper·plexed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perplexed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perplex “confused,” from Latin perplexus ( per-, complex ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Some lawmakers in Washington DC appeared initially perplexed by Hegseth's appointment to oversee one of the most complex bureaucracies in the world.

From BBC

It left some viewers perplexed, as they questioned what a bloodthirsty plant had to do with Christmas.

From BBC

It left him perplexed and saddened—an almost surprising display of naivete from someone who had spent so much time in newsrooms.

From Slate

Santa Monica resident Maria Alzaga said she too was perplexed when she caught her first whiff of the “rotted food/garbage/sewage” odor on Sunday evening.

From Los Angeles Times

The other evening, a group of young people outside Etchohuaquila’s only shop seemed perplexed when asked if they had heard of the region’s most renowned citizen.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bewildered
• puzzled
• uncertain