maze
UK[meɪz]US[meɪz]
n
a complicated and confusing network of passages or paths
n
a complex system of rules, ideas, or subjects that is difficult to understand
v
to bewilder or confuse someone
Etymology
the word "maze" entered english in the late 13th century from middle english, carrying the sense of a state of bewilderment or delusion. its origin is obscure but is often linked to the scandinavian root found in old norse masa, meaning "to chatter, be exhausted," which metaphorically extended to a state of mental confusion. another plausible connection is to old english āmasod, meaning "amazed" or "confused," suggesting a deep-rooted association with the experience of being lost or perplexed. over time, the meaning concretized from the abstract state of confusion to a physical labyrinth designed to cause that very feeling, and later broadened to describe any intricately confusing system.
Analysis
the word "maze" is a simplex word. it is a loanword from middle english, where it was used to mean "delusion, bewilderment". its ultimate origin is uncertain but is likely related to the old norse or old english words for confusion or amazement.
Examples
the children spent the afternoon trying to find their way out of the hedge maze.
the new tax regulations are a complete maze of complicated clauses.
the clever puzzle managed to maze even the most experienced players.