perplex

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Perplexed p. pr. & vb. n. Perplexing. ] [ L. perplexari. See Perplex, a. ] 1. To involve; to entangle; to make intricate or complicated, and difficult to be unraveled or understood; as, to perplex one with doubts. [ 1913 Webster ]

No artful wildness to perplex the scene. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

What was thought obscure, perplexed, and too hard for our weak parts, will lie open to the understanding in a fair view. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To embarrass; to puzzle; to distract; to bewilder; to confuse; to trouble with ambiguity, suspense, or anxiety. “Perplexd beyond self-explication.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

We are perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Cor. iv. 8. [ 1913 Webster ]

We can distinguish no general truths, or at least shall be apt to perplex the mind. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To plague; to vex; to torment. Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To entangle; involve; complicate; embarrass; puzzle; bewilder; confuse; distract. See Embarrass. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Entangled, involved, or confused; hence, embarrassd; puzzled; doubtful; anxious. -- Per*plex"ed*ly adv. -- Per*plex"ed*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Embarrassing; puzzling; troublesome. “Perplexing thoughts.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Perplexities [ L. perplexitas: cf. F. perplexité. ] The quality or state of being perplexed or puzzled; complication; intricacy; entanglement; distraction of mind through doubt or difficulty; embarrassment; bewilderment; doubt. [ 1913 Webster ]

By their own perplexities involved,
They ravel more. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being perplexing; tendency to perplex. [ Obs. ] Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]