puzzle

puzzle [puz′əl]

vt.

puzzled, puzzling [ME * poselen (inferred < pp. poselet), to bewilder, confuse < ?]

to perplex; confuse; bewilder; nonplus

vi.

1. to be perplexed, etc.

2. to exercise one's mind, as over the solution of a problem

n.

1. the state of being puzzled; bewilderment

2. a question, problem, etc. that puzzles

3. a toy or problem for testing cleverness, skill, or ingenuity

SYN.- MYSTERY¹

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puzzle out

to solve by deep thought or study

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puzzle over

to give deep thought to; concentrate on

puzzlement

n.

puzzler

n.

SYN.- PUZZLE implies such a baffling quality or such intricacy, as of a problem, situation, etc., that one has great difficulty in understanding or solving it; PERPLEX, in addition, implies uncertainty or even worry as to what to think, say, or do; CONFUSE implies a mixing up mentally to a greater or lesser degree; CONFOUND implies such confusion as completely frustrates or greatly astonishes one; BEWILDER implies such utter confusion that the mind is staggered beyond the ability to think clearly; to NONPLUS is to cause such perplexity or confusion that one is utterly incapable of speaking, acting, or thinking further; DUMBFOUND specifically implies as its effect a nonplused or confounded state in which one is momentarily struck speechless