nonpluses
Leaves utterly confounded
Nonpluses is the verb form of nonplus, meaning to perplex or bewilder someone so completely they don't know how to react: The question nonpluses even experts.
Someone nonplused is rendered speechless or unable to proceed.
The word suggests confusion that stops you in your tracks rather than mere puzzlement.
baffles
Perplexes or confuses deeply
- confoundsDeeply puzzles or defeats
- perplexesCauses mental confusion
- puzzlesProblems designed to challenge
stumps · flummoxes · mystifies · befuddles · bewilders · disconcerts · dumbfounds · fazes · flusters · rattles
mental clarity
nonplusesclarifies
Makes more understandable
enlightens · explains · illuminates · elucidates · informs