Nonplus

Nonplus (verb) refers to a state of confusion or bewilderment, rendering someone temporarily unsure how to respond or act. It is often used to describe a reaction to unexpected or puzzling situations that leave an individual in a state of surprise, at a loss for words, or unable to proceed in a conversation or action. The term can also function as a noun, denoting the state of being perplexed.

Nonplus meaning with examples

• During the meeting, the unexpected announcement from the CEO nonplussed the entire team, leaving them unsure about how to react. They exchanged confused glances, each silently contemplating the implications of the new strategy. It was a moment that disrupted their flow of conversation and sparked a flurry of uncharacteristic questions.
• When she saw her friend wearing a tuxedo at the beach, she was completely nonplussed. Coming prepared for a casual day in the sun, she wondered if there had been a special occasion she had missed. Struggling to find the right words, she stared at him, dumbfounded by the serious outfit choice in such an informal setting.
• The magician’s final trick left the audience nonplussed, as they were unable to decipher how the seemingly impossible act had been achieved. Gasps filled the theater, and many patrons remained in their seats after the curtain fell, discussing theories and attempting to rationalize the illusion they had just witnessed.
• He was nonplussed when he received an invitation to a reunion at his old school, having not thought of his classmates for years. The unfamiliar mix of nostalgia and apprehension set in, making him question whether he still fit in with those he had called friends. It took him some time to decide whether to accept or decline the invitation.