confusion - n.
1 a the act of confusing (the confusion of fact and fiction). b an instance of this; a misunderstanding (confusions arise from a lack of communication).
2 a the result of confusing; a confused state; disorder (thrown into confusion by his words; trampled in the confusion of battle). b (foll. by of) a disorderly jumble (a confusion of ideas).
3 a civil commotion (confusion broke out at the announcement). b an instance of this. [ME f. OF confusion or L confusio (as confuse)]