v.
Pronunciation: p ə r- ' pleks
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine ― more at PER- , PLY
Date: 1593
1 : to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something <her attitude perplex es me> <a perplex ing problem>
2 : to make intricate or involved : COMPLICATE
synonyms see PUZZLE