dazzle
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to shine or reflect brilliantly.
gems dazzling in the sunlight.
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to be overpowered by light.
Her eyes dazzled in the glare.
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to excite admiration by brilliance.
Once one is accustomed to such splendor, it no longer dazzles.
noun
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an act or instance of dazzling.
the dazzle of the spotlights.
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something that dazzles.
verb
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(usually tr) to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light
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to amaze, as with brilliance
she was dazzled by his wit
she dazzles in this film
noun
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bright light that dazzles
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bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc
the dazzle of fame
Other Word Forms
- dazzler noun
- dazzlingly adverb
- outdazzle verb (used with object)
- overdazzle verb
- undazzled adjective
- undazzling adjective
Etymology
Origin of dazzle
Explanation
To dazzle is to blind someone for a moment with light, like a deer in the headlights. You can also dazzle by impressing people, and not just by wearing a sparkly sequined shirt. Have you ever had a light shine in your face so you couldn't see for a second? You were dazzled. To dazzle is to blind someone in this way. A car's high-beam lights can dazzle other drivers. Looking directly at the sun is a way to dazzle yourself. Dazzling puts you in a daze for a second. Also, anything impressive can dazzle. A great writer dazzles readers. An impressive speaker dazzles listeners. It's like you're blinded by their brilliance.
Vocabulary lists containing dazzle
Selection Vocabulary 2, Unit 2
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"Two Left Feet, Two Left Hands, and Too Left on the Bench"
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Unit 5, Academic Vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It needs to dazzle, or at least not disappoint.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026
On Sunday, in blazing sunshine, Gu delivered with panache, posting a best score of 94.75 to dazzle the judges, soaring high above the lip of the halfpipe and executing her tricks with precision.
From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026
The RAC motoring organisation, which has campaigned on headlight dazzle, has repeatedly asked its members for their views.
From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026
“A dazzle of colours and that wonderful smile.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026
The soft golden light in Dumbledore’s office seemed to dazzle Harry’s eyes after that impenetrable darkness.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
