nonplusation

English

Alternative forms

• nonplussation

Etymology

From nonplus +‎ -ation.

Noun

nonplusation (uncountable)

1. (uncommon) The quality of being nonplussed. [from 19th c.]
   • 1834, Michael Scott, Tom Cringle's Log, volume 1, page 33:

     When the voiture stopped in the village, there seemed to be a nonplusation, to coin a word for the nonce, between my friend and his sisters.

   • 1955, The Artesian, volumes 1-2, page 14:

     When William Rufus returned by moonlight to claim his prize, with Cervantist nonplusation he beheld Edith Matilda — dressed like a novice, kneeling before her altar, counting her beads, with candles burning.

   • 1982, Canadian Literature, numbers 92-95, page 24:

     They reside in a state of nonplusation more aware than reason, more trying than insanity.