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

I was further nonplussed by a bizarre incident at a large end-of-summer meet.

From Salon

Though his demise was not exactly surprising — Durst was 78 and had been in failing health for years — it still left him nonplussed, Jarecki said.

From Los Angeles Times

Leigh Rosser was similarly nonplused while describing his biggest challenge as design fabrication lead.

From New York Times

When was the last time you looked at the exquisite list of synonyms for the word “baffled”? They may be among the best in the English language: puzzled, nonplused, discombobulated, flummoxed, stumped, fogged, wildered, buffaloed.

From New York Times

For my character, she was at the beginning so nonplussed every time he would flirt with me, I'd be like, "What? What are you talking about?"

From Salon

Related Words

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