See Also: nonplus(dictionary)

nonplus (iou)



nonplus noun & verb. L16.
[from Latin non plus not more, no further.]
A. noun. Pl. -sses. A state in which no more can be said or done; inability to proceed in speech or action; a state of perplexity; a standstill. Chiefly in at a nonplus, bring to a nonplus, reduce to a nonplus. L16.
A. Jessopp Prophets are never at a nonplus, never surprised. A. Mars-Jones Abandoned members of the royal party..in a state of paralysed nonplus.
b. verb trans. Infl. -ss-. Bring (a person etc.) to a nonplus; perplex; make (a thing) ineffective or inoperative. Freq. as nonplussed ppl adjective. L16.
P. G. Wodehouse The spectacle..was enough to nonplus anyone. N. Monsarrat It was all very well to be puzzled, but one should not be completely nonplussed.
nonplu'ssation noun (rare) the action of nonplussing someone; the condition of being nonplussed: M19.