Awestricken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• Writers often use 'awestricken' to describe a character's reaction to the sublime or extraordinary in their surroundings.
• Famous works of literature, such as Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', depict characters feeling awestricken in the face of nature's power.

Psychology

• 'Awestricken' describes a complex emotion, where one experiences both admiration and fear or respect simultaneously.
• Research reveals that experiencing awe can lead to increased feelings of connectedness and decreases in materialism.

Science

• Studies show that experiencing awe can have positive effects on mental health, such as reducing stress and increasing life satisfaction.
• Scientists explore how being awestricken by nature may stimulate the brain to think more creatively and broadly.

Pop Culture

• Movies that evoke a sense of wonder, like 'Interstellar' and 'Avatar', often leave viewers awestricken by their stunning visuals and themes.
• Concerts or performances that feature breathtaking artistry can also leave audiences awestricken, demonstrating the power of live art.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the combination of 'awe', meaning great respect or wonder, and 'stricken', meaning being hit or affected strongly.
• It first appeared in the English language in the 18th century, emphasizing deep emotional reactions to beauty or greatness.

The word 'awestricken' is derived from the combination of 'awe' and the suffix '-stricken.' The noun 'awe' comes from the Old English word 'ege' which means fear or terror, but has evolved to encompass a sense of wonder and admiration. The concept of feeling awed by something is common across cultures and often relates to experiences that evoke a profound emotional response, such as great natural beauty, monumental architecture, or extraordinary achievements. The suffix '-stricken' implies being affected in a certain way, often negatively, as seen in words like 'trouble-stricken.' When combined, 'awestricken' captures that sense of being profoundly affected by feelings of wonder. Over the years, as the language has evolved, the usage of 'awestricken' has become more prominent in literature and descriptive narratives, often used to express moments of intense emotional clarity and revelation.

At position #41,548, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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