puzzle
Cross references:
1. mystery
1. puz.zle \'p*z-*l\ \-(*-)lin\ \-(*-)l*r\ vb or puz.zling [origin unknown]
obs 1: BAFFLE, CONFOUND 2: PERPLEX, NONPLUS archaic 3: COMPLICATE,
ENTANGLE 4: to solve with difficulty or ingenuity 1: to be uncertain as
to action or choice 2: to attempt a solution of a puzzle by guesswork or
experiment LUS, CONFOUND, DUMBFOUND mean to disturb and baffle. PUZZLE
implies presenting a problem difficult to solve; PERPLEX suggests worry and
uncertainty in making a decision; BEWILDER implies a confusion of mind
preventing clear thinking; DISTRACT suggests agitation caused by
conflicting preoccupations or interests; NONPLUS implies a bafflement
causing complete blankness of mind; CONFOUND implies temporary mental
paralysis caused by astonishment or thorough abashment; DUMBFOUND suggests
a stronger but momentary confounding - puz.zler n SYN syn PUZZLE, PERPLEX,
BEWILDER, DISTRACT, NONP
2. puzzle n 1: the state of being puzzled : PERPLEXITY 2a: something that
puzzles 2b: a question, problem, or contrivance designed for testing
ingenuity