puzzle

/ˈpə-zəl/

origin unknown

verb

  1. to offer or represent to (someone) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally; also : to exert (oneself, one's mind, etc.) over such a problem or situation

  2. complicate, entangle

  3. to solve with difficulty or ingenuity

puzzle perplex bewilder distract nonplus confound dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally. puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve. perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

noun

  1. the state of being puzzled : perplexity

  2. something that is difficult to solve, resolve, or understand : something that puzzles

  3. something (such as a game or test) that is designed to be challenging to answer or solve <dx>see also jigsaw puzzle</dx>

mystery problem enigma riddle puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation. problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

phrasal verb

  1. to understand or find (something, such as the answer to a difficult problem) by careful thinking

She puzzled out the meaning of the strange phrase.