Astound: meaning, definitions and examples

Use for describing something extremely surprising that leaves someone unable to respond immediately.

• The magician's trick managed to astound the entire audience.
• Her rapid recovery from the illness astounded the doctors.

Better suited for describing something that fills someone with great wonder or delight, often in a positive way.

• His ability to solve complex problems never ceases to amaze me.
• The beauty of the Grand Canyon truly amazed the tourists.

Ideal for describing something that causes someone to be greatly surprised or impressed, often unexpectedly.

• Her results on the final exam astonished her teachers.
• It astonishingly turned out that he was fluent in six languages.

Describes a state where someone is rendered temporarily unable to react due to a strong emotional impact or physical blow. Often has a negative context.

• The unexpected news stunned him into silence.
• The punch he received stunned him for a few seconds.

Used for something that causes a sudden and intense surprise, often accompanied by a negative or alarming situation.

• The news of the accident shocked everyone in the room.
• She was shocked to hear about the scandal.

Typically used to describe a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.

• The vastness of the universe filled him with awe.
• The audience watched in awe as the acrobats performed.

Used when something is so surprising that it leaves one completely astonished or disbelieving.

• The magician's tricks continue to astound the audience; The news of her immediate promotion will likely astound her colleagues

This word is ideal for expressing a strong feeling of wonder or surprise, often at something remarkable.

• She watched in amazement as the fireworks lit up the sky; His rapid recovery from the illness was met with amazement by the doctors

Best suited for situations where one is struck with surprise and amazement, often due to something unexpected.

• To his astonishment, the lost wallet was returned with all the money intact; The team’s victory came as a great astonishment to the fans

This word is used to express a feeling of admiration and amazement, often at something beautiful or remarkable.

• She looked at the snow-covered mountains with wonder; The technology of the new smartphone filled him with wonder

Often used when something induces a sudden and intense feeling of surprise and sometimes distress; it can have a negative connotation.

• The sudden news of the accident sent shock waves through the community; He was in shock after hearing the verdict

A general term to convey feelings of unexpected events, both positive and negative.

• The surprise birthday party made her day; His surprise at finding an old friend at the reunion was evident