perplex

per·plex

transitive verb \pər-ˈpleks\

Definition of PERPLEX

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 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