In this single word substitution question, choose the verb that means "to make someone feel completely baffled".

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for the single verb that matches the phrase "to make someone feel completely baffled". It focuses on subtle differences among verbs related to understanding and confusion. Such vocabulary is important in reading comprehension, where writers describe how readers or characters react to complex ideas, puzzles or unexpected events. Identifying the correct verb sharpens your sense of nuance in English usage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase is "to make someone feel completely baffled".
• The options are "to perplex", "to explicate", "to construe", "to elucidate" and "to clarify".
• Some options relate to explaining or making clear, while at least one relates to causing confusion.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings used in educated English.

Concept / Approach:
The verb "perplex" means to confuse someone completely, to make them feel puzzled or uncertain. This directly matches the phrase "make someone feel completely baffled". On the other hand, verbs like "explicate", "elucidate" and "clarify" are used to explain something and make it easier to understand. "Construe" means to interpret or understand the meaning of something, such as a statement or action. These verbs move towards understanding, whereas the target phrase moves towards confusion. Therefore, we must choose the verb that increases confusion, not the verbs that remove it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the central idea: causing someone to feel baffled and confused. Step 2: Recall that "perplex" means to puzzle or confuse somebody completely. Step 3: Notice that "explicate", "elucidate" and "clarify" are all connected with explanation or making things clearer. Step 4: Select "to perplex" as the only option that correctly expresses the idea of making someone baffled.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use each option in an example sentence. "The complex instructions completely perplexed the new employees" clearly describes people who feel baffled. If we use "explicated", the sentence would be "The complex instructions completely explicated the new employees", which is wrong because "explicate" means to explain, not confuse. "Elucidated" and "clarified" also mean to make things clear, which is the opposite of baffling someone. "Construe" fits in sentences like "How do you construe this remark", which indicates interpretation, not confusion. This comparison confirms that "perplex" is the correct match for the phrase in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"To explicate" means to explain in detail, often analysing the parts of a text or concept. "To construe" means to interpret or understand, especially the meaning of words or actions. "To elucidate" means to make something clear by explaining it, and "to clarify" has a similar sense of making an idea less confusing. All of these verbs move in the direction of understanding and clarity. The question, however, asks for a verb that moves in the opposite direction by creating confusion. Therefore they cannot be correct answers.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse words that belong to the same semantic field but have opposite effects, such as "perplex" and "clarify". Under exam pressure, students may react to the general theme of "understanding" and ignore whether the process increases or decreases confusion. To avoid this, always restate the core action of the phrase in your own words, then compare that summary to each option carefully. Distinguishing between cause of confusion and removal of confusion is a key skill in vocabulary questions.

Final Answer:
The correct single word that means to make someone feel completely baffled is to perplex.