confusion

[ kuhn-fyoo-zhuhn ]

noun

1. the act of confusing. confusing.
2. the state of being confused.

   Synonyms: distraction

3. disorder; upheaval; tumult; chaos:

   The army retreated in confusion.

   Synonyms: disarray, mess, jumble, turmoil

4. lack of clearness or distinctness:

   a confusion in his mind between right and wrong.

5. perplexity; bewilderment:

   The more difficult questions left us in complete confusion.

6. embarrassment or abashment:

   He blushed in confusion.

   Synonyms: mortification, shame

7. Psychiatry. a disturbed mental state; disorientation.
8. Archaic. defeat, overthrow, or ruin.

confusion

/ kənˈfjuːʒən /

noun

1. the act of confusing or the state of being confused
2. disorder; jumble
3. bewilderment; perplexity
4. lack of clarity; indistinctness
5. embarrassment; abashment

Derived Forms

• conˈfusional, adjective

Other Words From

• con·fusion·al adjective
• precon·fusion noun
• recon·fusion noun
• super·con·fusion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of confusion¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin confūsiōn-, stem of confūsiō “disorder, mixture,” literally “a mixing,” from confūs(us) “mixed” (past participle of cōnfundere; confound ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

She also said the lack of a distinct uniform and the title "physician" was giving rise to confusion as to whether the practitioner is a doctor.

From BBC

In a report released last year, the agency’s inspector general found that the last-minute fight caused “delay, confusion, and significant changes” to the assessment.

From Science Magazine

But this has done little to allay fears within the farming community, while there is still confusion over how many might be affected.

From BBC

People have spoken of their sadness and confusion after the suspected murder of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car more than 100 miles from her home.

From BBC

However, with less than two months until the changes are supposed to take effect, they are causing extreme anxiety and confusion among students.

From BBC

Related Words

• anarchy
• chaos
• complexity
• complication
• consternation
• difficulty
• disarray
• dislocation
• distraction
• mistake
• trouble
• turmoil
• upheaval