astound

[ uh-stound ]

verb (used with object)

1. to overwhelm with amazement; astonish greatly; shock with wonder or surprise.

adjective

1. Archaic. astonished; astounded.

astound

/ əˈstaʊnd /

verb

1. tr to overwhelm with amazement and wonder; bewilder

Other Words From

• as·toundment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astound¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English astoun(e)d, past participle of astonen, variant of astonyen “to thunder.” See astonish

Word History and Origins

Origin of astound¹

C17: from astoned amazed, from Old French estoné, from estoner to astonish

Synonym Study

See surprise.

Example Sentences

"I'm still astounded that people are allowed to write any, for want of a better word, lies that they want," he said.

From BBC

During the last minutes when my soup is almost ready and I taste to make final adjustments, I am always astounded that such few ingredients can yield something so sublimely delicious.

From Salon

Bean fantasies of bland feminine beauty is truly astounding.

From Salon

“What astounded me,” said Strong, who lives in Austin, “was the organization, amount of money and the vitriol behind book banning campaigns. It’s been incredibly nasty.”

From Los Angeles Times

One of the most technical astounding sequences takes place during a lunch rush.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astonish
• bewilder
• confound
• confuse
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• overwhelm
• shock
• stagger
• startle
• stun
• stupefy
• surprise