perplex

per·plex

verb \pər-ˈpleks\

Definition of PERPLEX

transitive verb

1

: to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something <her attitude perplexes me> <a perplexing problem>

2

: to make intricate or involved : complicate

Examples of PERPLEX

1. Questions about the meaning of life have always perplexed humankind.
2. <let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns>

Origin of PERPLEX

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

First Known Use: 1593

Related to PERPLEX

Synonyms: complex, complexify, embarrass, entangle, complicate, sophisticate

Antonyms: simplify, streamline

Related Words: develop, elaborate, expand; intensify, magnify; confound, confuse, mess (up), mix (up), muddle; snarl, tangle

Near Antonyms: abbreviate, cut, shorten; ease, facilitate; disentangle, straighten (out), unravel, untangle; oversimplify

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at puzzle

Rhymes with PERPLEX

annex, apex, codex, complex, convex, cortex, culex, desex, duplex, DX, fourplex, ibex, ilex, index, Kleenex, latex, mirex, murex, MX, narthex, Perspex, phone sex, pollex, Pyrex, reflex, Rx, safe sex, scolex, silex, silvex, simplex, spandex, telex, Tex-Mex, triplex, unsex, vertex, vortex