bewilderment

noun

be·​wil·​der·​ment bi-ˈwil-dər-mənt 

bē-

1

: the quality or state of being lost, perplexed, or confused : the quality or state of being bewildered

She stared at them in bewilderment.

2

: a complicated or confusing state or condition : a bewildering tangle or confusion

a bewilderment of streets

Synonyms

• bafflement
• bamboozlement
• befuddlement
• bemusement
• bewilderedness
• confusedness
• confusion
• discombobulation
• distraction
• fog
• head-scratching
• maze [chiefly dialect]
• muddle
• mystification
• perplexity
• puzzlement
• tangle
• whirl

Examples of bewilderment in a Sentence

the slightest change in her daily routine leaves her in complete bewilderment

Recent Examples on the Web

What those outside the United States might have viewed with bewilderment makes perfect sense to a historian like Wineapple. —John Kaag, The Atlantic, 29 Aug. 2024

The tension in the mansion was palpable as other cast mates observed the drama with confusion and bewilderment. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 Aug. 2024

Comfy athleisure isn’t as trendy here for anyone over 25, and you’ll be met with looks of complete bewilderment if you’re caught walking with a Stanley Quencher. —Nneya Richards, Parents, 16 Aug. 2024

The general reaction of teachers and students is panic and bewilderment about who these invaders are and what exactly is happening. —TIME, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1