nonplus
to render utterly perplexed by something unexpected; puzzle completely: He nonplussed his questioners by answering in riddles.
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.
a state of utter perplexity: When the protagonist's wife suddenly disappears, he's at a nonplus and fights with two different feelings.
Origin of nonplus
1usage note For nonplus
Other words for nonplus
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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use nonplus in a sentence
"I know of many," he answered, with a smile, an answer which by its simplicity seemed to nonplus the Duke.
Love-at-Arms | Raphael SabatiniThe renegade was a little at a nonplus, as he never had undergone the operation which he had described.
The Pacha of Many Tales | Frederick MarryatThe inquiring mind is at a nonplus, and is likely to remain so.
The Old Inns of Old England, Volume II (of 2) | Charles G. HarperHe finds doubts and scruples better than resolves them, and has always some argument to nonplus himself.
Microcosmography | John EarleThe idea at the bottom of the piece is that the devil will carry off the wee boy if he can nonplus him.
British Dictionary definitions for nonplus
/ (nɒnˈplʌs) /
(tr) to put at a loss; confound: he was nonplussed by the sudden announcement
a state of utter perplexity prohibiting action or speech
Origin of nonplus
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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