Bewilderment

/bɪˈwɪldərmənt/ noun

Definition

Bewilderment is a state of deep confusion where you feel lost and unable to understand what is going on. It can be caused by something surprising, complex, or completely unexpected.

Etymology

From “bewilder” plus the noun-forming suffix “-ment.” “Bewilder” itself comes from the idea of being led into the wild and not knowing the way out.

Kelly Says

Bewilderment is confusion that has weight—it can physically slow people down as their brains scramble to rebuild a mental map. That’s why big shocks often leave people standing still, just staring.

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