Perplexe
/pərˈplɛks/noun
An archaic or variant spelling of perplex, meaning to confuse or puzzle deeply.
Did you know?The core idea behind perplex is physical entanglement: Latin *perplexus* meant “entangled” or “complicated,” like threads twisted so tightly they can’t be separated.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plek-
“to weave, plait, or twist”
Latin
Latin
plectere
“to weave, braid, or twine”
Latin
Latin
perplexus
“thoroughly intertwined; intricate; confused”
Old French
Old French
perplexe
“confused, entangled, troubled”
Middle English
English
perplex(e)
“to confuse, puzzle, or entangle mentally”
Modern English
English
perplex
“to cause confusion or uncertainty”