dazzle

[ daz-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, daz·zled, daz·zling.

1. to overpower or dim the vision of by intense light:

   He was dazzled by the sudden sunlight.

2. to impress deeply; astonish with delight:

   The glorious palace dazzled him.

   Synonyms: stupefy, overpower, overwhelm, awe

verb (used without object)

, daz·zled, daz·zling.

1. to shine or reflect brilliantly:

   gems dazzling in the sunlight.

2. to be overpowered by light:

   Her eyes dazzled in the glare.

3. to excite admiration by brilliance:

   Once one is accustomed to such splendor, it no longer dazzles.

noun

1. an act or instance of dazzling:

   the dazzle of the spotlights.

2. something that dazzles.

dazzle

/ ˈdæzəl /

verb

1. usually tr to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light
2. to amaze, as with brilliance

   she was dazzled by his wit

   she dazzles in this film

noun

1. bright light that dazzles
2. bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc

   the dazzle of fame

Derived Forms

• ˈdazzler, noun

Other Words From

• dazzler noun
• dazzling·ly adverb
• outdazzle verb (used with object) outdazzled outdazzling
• over·dazzle verb overdazzled overdazzling
• un·dazzled adjective
• un·dazzling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dazzle¹

First recorded in 1475–85; daze + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of dazzle¹

C15: from daze

Example Sentences

It’s hard not to consider humankind’s own future in this region-unspecified, newly aquatic land where mountaintops are islands, northern lights dazzle and finger-like towers that seem man-made dot the background.

From Los Angeles Times

At the upper left, the gray-bearded figure of a wise and eternal God directs the action, hovering within a dazzling golden sunburst.

From Los Angeles Times

Chu has done dazzling movie musical work before, most recently with 2021’s “In the Heights,” but despite the elaborate costume and production design, “Wicked” is his least visually imaginative film.

From Los Angeles Times

She is the one and only Cher, an American icon who has long dazzled audiences around the world with her extraordinary singing, acting and comedic chops.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a dazzling, tune-filled collage of images, words and sounds, recounting the moment during the Cold War when Congolese independence, hot jazz and geopolitical tensions made a sound heard around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astonish
• awe
• blind
• blur
• daze
• excite
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• impress
• overwhelm
• surprise