Noah Webster
Perplex
PERPLEX', verb transitive [Latin perplexus, perplexor; per and plector, to twist; Latin plico, to fold.]
1. To make intricate; to involve; to entangle; to make complicated and difficult to be understood or unraveled.
What was thought obscure, perplexed and too hard for our weak parts, will lie open to the understanding in a fair view.
2. To embarrass; to puzzle; to distract; to tease with suspense, anxiety or ambiguity.
We can distinguish no general truths, or at least shall be apt to perplex the mind.
We are perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8.
3. To plague; to vex.
PERPLEX', adjective Intricate; difficult. [Not used.]