puzzlement

English

Etymology

From puzzle +‎ -ment.

Pronunciation

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Noun

puzzlement (countable and uncountable, plural puzzlements)

1. The confusing state of being puzzled; bewilderment.

   Synonym: wonderment

   The puzzlement caused by the complex system led to great anger.

2. A puzzle; something baffling.
   • 2005 [1992], Jeanne Hanson, Deane Morrison, The World's Oddest and Most Wonderful Mammals, Insects, Birds and Plants‎, page 218:

     Or, larger mothers might have not necessarily more progeny but more fit ones, while smaller size might be an advantage to the males, allowing them to get around faster. Finally, for creatures that continue to grow, perhaps more of the females simply live longer, gaining in stature all the time. “'Tis a puzzlement.”

   • 2007 October 14, Alex Mindlin, “1924, Through an Ancestor’s Eyes”, in New York Times‎:

     The diary contains plenty of small puzzlements.