This noun denotes a state of profound uncertainty or confusion—literally being 'without a way forward.' Classical Greek uses it for impossible situations, geographical difficulties of passage, or the intellectual perplexity philosophers experience when unable to resolve a question. It captures both practical impasse and mental bewilderment. The New Testament employs it in an apocalyptic context where nations are described as being in distress, unable to find their way forward in the face of cosmic upheaval.