Puzzlement

/ˈpəz(ə)lmənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A state of being perplexed or confused.
Her puzzlement was evident as she tried to solve the complex riddle.
A puzzling or perplexing situation.
The sudden change in his behavior left everyone in a state of puzzlement.
A feeling of uncertainty or confusion about something.
He looked at the instructions in puzzlement, unsure of what to do next.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'puzzle', with the addition of the suffix '-ment'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

in a state of puzzlement
Experiencing confusion or uncertainty.
look of puzzlement
An expression indicating confusion or lack of understanding.
puzzle over something
To think hard about a difficult problem or question.

Related Words

puzzle
A game or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.
confusion
The state of being bewildered or unclear in one’s mind about something.
perplexity
The state of being perplexed; confusion or uncertainty.

Slang Meanings

Head scratcher
This math problem is a real head scratcher for me.
Brain teaser
The situation was a brain teaser that left everyone confused.