Flummoxed

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Confused or perplexed to the point of being unable to think clearly or decide what to do
2. Bewildered and completely at a loss, feeling mentally baffled and uncertain
3. Overwhelmed by confusion or puzzlement, making it difficult to understand or respond effectively

Etymology: The base verb "flummox" has an uncertain origin, and no firm ancestor for it has been agreed on. It belongs to the informal vocabulary of confusion and bafflement, where a playful, slangy sound often matters as much as any traceable source. Adding "-ed" turns the verb into a description of a state: someone who has been thrown into confusion and is left floundering. The same ending appears on many English words, so "flummoxed" slots easily into everyday speech. It is used here as an adjective to describe a person whose mind has been knocked off course.

Synonyms: bewildered, puzzled, confounded, baffled

Antonyms: understood, clarified