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Astound Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฒ
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astound

[ษ™หˆstaสŠnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

incredible surprise

To astound means to shock or greatly surprise someone. It is a verb that is often used to describe a feeling of amazement or astonishment. When something astounds you, it leaves you in awe and disbelief.

Synonyms

amaze, astonish, awe, shock, stun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
astound

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.
amaze

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.
astonish

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.
stun

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.
shock

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.
awe

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.

Examples of usage

  • The magician's trick astounded the audience.
  • The beauty of the sunset astounded me.
  • The news of her promotion astounded everyone in the office.
Context #2 | Noun

unbelievable surprise

Astound can also be used as a noun to describe the feeling of being amazed or shocked. It refers to a state of astonishment or wonder that is beyond belief.

Synonyms

amazement, astonishment, shock, surprise, wonder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
astound

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
amazement

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
astonishment

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 teamโ€™s victory came as a great astonishment to the fans
wonder

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
shock

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
surprise

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

Examples of usage

  • Her sudden appearance at the party was an astound to everyone.
  • The speed of his recovery was an astound to the doctors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being astounded can trigger a strong emotional response, often leading to increased dopamine levels, which affect our mood and memory.
  • Surprise is a key aspect of learning, as unexpected events can enhance memory retention and attention.

Popular Culture

  • In movies, moments designed to astound often lead to gasps from the audience, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Famous magicians like David Copperfield are known for their astounding illusions that leave audiences in shock.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses the word to describe characters' reactions to extraordinary events or revelations.
  • Authors like Shakespeare utilize the concept of astonishment to develop plot twists and deepen emotional impact.

Science

  • Scientists often strive to astound their peers with groundbreaking research findings or innovations that challenge existing beliefs.
  • Astounding discoveries in fields like astronomy have expanded our understanding of the universe, leading to profound questions about existence.

Origin of 'astound'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'astoundian', which means to lose one's senses or be bewildered.
  • The prefix 'a-' indicates a state of being, while 'stound' is derived from 'stunen', related to stun.

The word 'astound' originated from the combination of 'a-' (intensive prefix) and 'stound' (Middle English) meaning 'to be struck with astonishment'. It first appeared in the 17th century and has been used to express the overwhelming feeling of surprise and amazement ever since.

See also: astounding.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,243 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.