Main Entry: per·plex

Pronunciation: \pər-ˈpleks\

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 perplexes me> <a perplexing problem>
2 : to make intricate or involved : complicate

synonyms see puzzle