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

By limiting swordplay to its most intense moments — Zelda must use a limted-time magical energy if she aims to dazzle with a blade — “Echoes of Wisdom” not only gives us greater character development but argues that the medium of play remains a joyously under-explored canvas.

From Los Angeles Times

After all that dazzle, Kelter then gifted England a third try, dropping the ball for flanker Brock to pounce for a first Test try, which was followed by a sharp finish from Matthews.

From BBC

In “The Last Showgirl,” Pamela Anderson delivers the performance of her career as Shelly, a middle-age dancer at a sudden crossroads when her Las Vegas show, “Le Razzle Dazzle,” closes after a 30-year run.

From Los Angeles Times

Predictably there was plenty of star dazzle in the stands during Simone Biles’ and her U.S. women’s gymnastics teammates’ big night in group competition.

From Los Angeles Times

The latest season of the murder mystery comedy series gave Short’s character, Oliver Putnam, a chance to turn his murder mystery stage play into an outrageous Broadway musical called “Death Rattle Dazzle!”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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