maze

[meyz]

noun

1. a confusing network of intercommunicating paths or passages; labyrinth.

2. any complex system or arrangement that causes bewilderment, confusion, or perplexity.

   Her petition was lost in a maze of bureaucratic red tape.

3. a state of bewilderment or confusion.

4. a winding movement, as in dancing.

verb (used with object)

mazed, mazing 

1. Chiefly Dialect.,  to daze, perplex, or stupefy.

maze

/ meɪz /

noun

1. a complex network of paths or passages, esp one with high hedges in a garden, designed to puzzle those walking through it Compare labyrinth

2. a similar system represented diagrammatically as a pattern of lines

3. any confusing network of streets, pathways, etc

   a maze of paths

4. a state of confusion

verb

1. an archaic or dialect word for amaze

Other Word Forms

• mazelike adjective
• mazement noun
• mazedly adverb
• mazedness noun
• intermaze verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of maze¹

1250–1300; Middle English mase, noun use of aphetic variant of amasen to amaze

Word History and Origins

Origin of maze¹

C13: see _amaze

Example Sentences

This year, he’s returned to Horror Nights with a score set to a relaunch of an original, Depression-era set maze, “Scarecrow.”

From Los Angeles Times

GST, which was introduced eight years ago, replaced a maze of indirect taxes to reduce compliance and the cost of doing business.

From BBC

Chevening is set in 3,000 acres of land, including a maze and lake, which was the first destination for the two families on Friday morning, for a spot of fishing.

From BBC

UK foreign secretaries have traditionally had the use of Chevening, a Grade 1 listed mansion, with gardens that include a lake and a maze.

From BBC

I‘m in a warehouse in Las Vegas, walking through a maze called “Scarecrow: The Reaping.”

From Los Angeles Times