to render someone unable to react or respond due to surprise or bewilderment
example
The sudden announcement of a mandatory company reorganization completely nonplussed the employees, leaving them uncertain about their future.
synonyms
perplexbewilderconfound
word origin — The word originates from the Latin 'non plus', meaning 'no more' or 'not more', which in English comes to mean a state of being unable to respond or continue due to astonishment.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 171
Set 171 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: nonplus, epitomize, requite, disabuse, jeer. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
nonplus · verb/nɑnˈplʌs/
to render someone unable to react or respond due to surprise or bewilderment
The sudden announcement of a mandatory company reorganization completely nonplussed the employees, leaving them uncertain about their future.
Synonyms: perplex, bewilder, confound
Origin: The word originates from the Latin 'non plus', meaning 'no more' or 'not more', which in English comes to mean a state of being unable to respond or continue due to astonishment.
epitomize · verb/ɪˈpɪtəˌmaɪz/
to be a perfect example of something
Her accomplishments in science epitomize excellence in research and innovation.
Synonyms: typify, exemplify, illustrate
Origin: The word 'epitomize' derives from the late Middle English 'epitomisen', from the late Latin 'epitomizare', which originates from the Greek 'epitome', meaning 'a summary'.
requite · verb/rɪˈkwaɪt/
to make return for or repay an action or feeling
He felt it was important to requite her kindness with a heartfelt thank-you note.
Synonyms: reciprocate, repay, recompense
Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'requiter' (to repay, return) and Latin 'requitare' (to seek again)
disabuse · verb/ˌdɪs.əˈbjus/
to free someone from a misconception or false belief
I tried to disabuse him of the notion that success comes without hard work.
Synonyms: disillusion, enlighten, correct
Origin: From Middle French 'dissabuser', meaning 'to free from abuse or delusion', composed of the prefix 'dis-' and 'abuser'.
jeer · verb/dʒɪr/
to make fun of or mock someone in a rude or sarcastic manner
The crowd began to jeer at the opposing team's players as they entered the stadium, chanting sarcastic slogans.
Synonyms: mock, taunt, deride
Origin: From Middle English 'geren', related to the Old English 'gierian', meaning to scoff or mock.