Daze: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is in a state of confusion or unable to think clearly, often due to a shock or surprise.

• She was in a daze after hearing the unexpected news.
• The bright lights and loud noises left him in a daze.

Used when someone is shocked or greatly surprised, often to the point where they temporarily cannot react or respond.

• The sudden announcement stunned the audience.
• He was stunned by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop.

Used when someone feels an intense amount of stress, pressure, or emotion, leading to a sense of being unable to cope.

• She felt overwhelmed by the amount of work on her plate.
• The sheer number of options overwhelmed the shoppers.

Used when someone is completely confused by something complicated or unexpected, often not knowing what to do.

• The complex instructions bewildered the new employee.
• He was bewildered by the sudden change in plans.

Use 'daze' to describe a state of being stunned, usually due to a shocking event or blow to the head. It's often temporary and characterized by a lack of clear thinking.

• After the accident, he walked around in a daze, hardly able to comprehend what had just happened

Choose 'confusion' to describe a general state of disorientation or lack of clear understanding. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both simple and complex.

• The instructions were so unclear that it led to a lot of confusion among the students

Employ 'bewilderment' when someone is deeply perplexed or confused by a complex situation, often feeling overwhelmed and unable to understand what is happening.

• She stared at the exam paper in bewilderment, unsure of how to solve the complicated questions

Describe 'stupor' when someone is in a near-unconscious state, often due to alcohol, drugs, or extreme shock. It signifies a more severe lack of awareness and responsiveness.

• He drank so much that he fell into a stupor and couldn't be awakened for hours