First Known Use: 1582
Dictionary
1nonplus
noun non·plus \ˌnän-ˈpləs\
Definition of NONPLUS
: a state of bafflement or perplexity : quandary
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Origin of NONPLUS
Latin non plus no more
2nonplus
verb
nonplussed also nonplused \-ˈpləst\nonplus·sing also nonplus·ing \-ˈplə-siŋ\
Definition of NONPLUS
transitive verb
: to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : perplex
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First Known Use of NONPLUS
1591
Related to NONPLUS
Synonym Discussion of NONPLUS
puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally. puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve <the persistent fever puzzled the doctor>. perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision <a behavior that perplexed her friends>. bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking <a bewildering number of possibilities>. distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests <distracted by personal problems>. nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible <the remark left us utterly nonplussed>. confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement <the tragic news confounded us all>. dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound <was at first too dumbfounded to reply>.
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