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puzzle definition

puz·zle (puz′əl)

transitive verb puzzled -·zled, puzzling -·zling

to perplex; confuse; bewilder; nonplus

Etymology: ME *poselen (inferred < pp. poselet), to bewilder, confuse < ?

intransitive verb

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

noun

  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

Related Forms:

puzzle Idioms

puzzle out

to solve by deep thought or study

puzzle over

to give deep thought to; concentrate on

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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