n.
Pronunciation: ' p ə -z ə l
Function: verb
Inflected Form: puz · zled ; puz · zling \ ' p ə -z ə -li ŋ , ' p ə z-li ŋ \
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1582
transitive verb
1 : to offer or represent to (as a person) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally also : to exert (as oneself) over such a problem or situation <they puzzled their wits to find a solution>
2 archaic : COMPLICATE , ENTANGLE
3 : to solve with difficulty or ingenuity < puzzle out an answer to a riddle>
intransitive verb
1 : to be uncertain as to action or choice
2 : to attempt a solution of a puzzle by guesswork or experiment < puzzle over the mystery>
– puz · zler \ ' p ə -z ə -l ə r, ' p ə z-l ə r \ noun
synonyms PUZZLE , PERPLEX , BEWILDER , DISTRACT , NONPLUS , CONFOUND , DUMBFOUND mean to baffle and disturb mentally. PUZZLE implies existence of a problem difficult to solve <the persistent fever puzzled the doctor>. PERPLEX adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision <a behavior that perplexed her friends>. BEWILDER stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking <a bewildering number of possibilities>. DISTRACT implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests < distracted by personal problems>. NONPLUS implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible <the remark left us utterly nonplussed >. CONFOUND implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement <the tragic news confounded us all>. DUMBFOUND suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound <was at first too dumbfounded to reply>.