puzzle

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: puzzlermystifierteaserperplexvexstickgetmystifybafflebeatposebewilder

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution“he loved to solve chessmate puzzles”“that's a real puzzler”Synonyms: puzzlermystifierteaser
  2. a game that tests your ingenuity

Verb (2)

  1. be a mystery or bewildering to“This beats me!”“Got me--I don't know the answer!”“a vexing problem”“This question really stuck me”Synonyms: perplexvexstickgetmystifybafflebeatposebewilderflummoxstupefynonplusgravelamazedumbfound
  2. be uncertain about; think about without fully understanding or being able to decide“We puzzled over her sudden departure”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

puzzle \puz"zle\ (p[u^]z"z'l), n. [For opposal, in the sense of problem. See Oppose, Pose, v.]

1.Something which perplexes or embarrasses; especially, a toy or a problem contrived for testing ingenuity; also, something exhibiting marvelous skill in making. [1913 Webster]

2.The state of being puzzled; perplexity; as, to be in a puzzle. [1913 Webster]

puzzle \puz"zle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. puzzled (p[u^]z"z'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. puzzling (p[u^]z"zl[i^]ng).]

1.To perplex; to confuse; to embarrass; to put to a stand; to nonplus. [1913 Webster]

A very shrewd disputant in those points is dexterous in puzzling others.— Dr. H. More.[1913 Webster]
He is perpetually puzzled and perplexed amidst his own blunders.— Addison.[1913 Webster]

2.To make intricate; to entangle. [1913 Webster]

They disentangle from the puzzled skein.— Cowper.[1913 Webster]
The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate, Puzzled in mazes, and perplexed with error.— Addison.[1913 Webster]

3.To solve by ingenuity, as a puzzle; -- followed by out; as, to puzzle out a mystery. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To embarrass; perplex; confuse; bewilder; confound. See Embarrass. [1913 Webster]

Puzzle \Puz"zle\, v. i.

1.To be bewildered, or perplexed. [1913 Webster]

A puzzling fool, that heeds nothing.— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]

2.To work, as at a puzzle; as, to puzzle over a problem. [1913 Webster]

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