DictionarystumpUnable to answer
verb

stump

To leave someone unable to answer a question or solve a problem.

The final question stumps the entire panel.

Etymology

A stump can be an obstacle that blocks progress. The figurative verb applies that obstruction to a question or problem someone cannot get past.

More examples

  • The puzzle stumped me.
  • They are stumping the experts.
  • An unexpected error had stumped the programmers.

Forms

stump · stumps · stumped · stumping

Similar words

baffle
Emphasizes complete confusion.
puzzle
Can provoke thought without making a solution impossible.