noun
maze
MAYZ/meɪz/
A confusing network that is difficult to find a way through.
The hedge maze branches into paths and dead ends.
Etymology
Maze first meant bewilderment or confusion of thought, though its origin is uncertain. That mental state gave its name to a network of paths intended to confuse or mislead.
In context
on the other hand will take to be the general case of a system of paths that may have multiple branches and a layout as confusing and convoluted as the maze designer cares to imagine
More examples
- We worked through a maze of regulations.
- Several mazes filled the puzzle book.
- The children found the center of the maze.
Forms
maze · mazes
Similar words
- labyrinth
- Labyrinth can suggest a more elaborate or literary maze.
- tangle
- Tangle emphasizes disorder rather than designed branching paths.