astonished

[ uh-ston-isht ]

adjective

1. filled with sudden and overpowering surprise or wonder; amazed:

   Before the eyes of the astonished crowd, the magician pulled off everything from simple card tricks to the disappearance of his lovely assistant.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of astonish.

Other Words From

• as·ton·ished·ly adverb
• un·as·ton·ished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of astonished¹

First recorded in 1510–20, for an earlier sense; astonish + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective sense; astonish + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

Looking in the rearview mirror, I am astonished that I convinced myself that a woman of color could actually be president of the United States.

From Salon

That’s why Diaz was astonished to learn that Norwalk, the city where he was born and raised, had banned new homeless shelters and supportive housing developments.

From Los Angeles Times

And they're a little astonished that their own music has not only endured - but found new appreciation in the US during their 12 years away.

From BBC

Many people will be astonished that a man could be accused of sexual offences by 21 women and not be charged.

From BBC

I can also remember bringing a senior BBC editor from the newsroom in London to see him, and was astonished when he asked my colleague if he was on a colonial visit.

From BBC

Related Words

• awed
• baffled
• befuddled
• dazed
• mystified
• perplexed
• puzzled
• rattled
• shocked
• startled
• stunned
• surprised