nonplus
non-PLUSS
/nɒnˈplʌs/
To surprise and confuse someone so much that they are unsure how to react or what to say next.
Refers specifically to a mental roadblock or state of paralysis where one simply does not know how to respond.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'non plus' meaning 'no further'. In Latin arguments, reaching 'non plus' meant bringing your opponent to a standstill where no further logical step could be taken.
Word relationships
- perplex: 'Perplex' means to complicate or puzzle; 'nonplus' adds a feeling of being rendered totally motionless or mute.
- bewilder: 'Bewilder' focuses on feeling lost; 'nonplus' focuses on reaching an impasse where no action seems possible.
- enlighten: To give understanding and clarity.
Commonly confused with
- nonplussed (misused): Many modern speakers incorrectly think nonplussed means 'unaffected'; in standard English, it means 'utterly confused'.
Word family
- nonplussed (adjective): Surprised and confused to the point of being unsure how to react.
Collocations
- completely nonplus
- leave nonplussed
- nonplus the opposition
Idioms & expressions
- at a nonplus
Example sentences
- "The candidate's bizarre counterargument served only to nonplus the panel of experienced interviewers." Diplomatic Debate
Memory hook
NON-PLUS = NO MORE progress can be made in your brain because you are so confused. No further answer possible.
When not to use
Avoid the common mistaken modern usage meaning 'unbothered' or 'unfazed'. It always means confused/perplexed.
Fun facts
- In legal Latin, 'non plus' was written at the bottom of a document when a judge declared that no further evidence could be produced.
Related words
Explore more words
nonplussed, flummoxed, consternation, confounded, bewildered, perplexed
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