puzzle
Meaning
to cause someone to feel confused because they cannot understand or make sense of something
a game, toy, or problem designed to test knowledge or ingenuity
Usage
The detective was puzzled by the lack of evidence at the crime scene.
She spent the afternoon working on a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle.
The sudden change in his behavior is a real puzzle to his friends.
Etymology
The origin of the word 'puzzle' is somewhat obscure, first appearing in English in the late 16th century. It is likely derived from a frequentative form of the now-obsolete verb 'pose' (to perplex or put in a difficult position), influenced by the verb 'oppose'. The core idea was one of creating a state of mental bewilderment or confusion. From this initial sense of causing perplexity, the meaning evolved by the early 18th century to specifically denote a contrived problem or game designed to challenge the mind, giving us the modern sense of a jigsaw or logic puzzle.
Analysis
The word 'puzzle' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely a frequentative verb formation. Its functional role is as a complete lexical unit.