Dumbfounded: meaning, definitions and examples
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dumbfounded
[ˈdʌmfˌaʊndɪd ]
Definition
state of shock
Dumbfounded describes a state of being so astonished or surprised that one is unable to speak or react. This term is often used to convey a strong emotional response to unexpected news, events, or situations. It can imply a combination of shock and disbelief, making it difficult for the individual to process what they have just witnessed or learned. The word effectively captures the feeling of being momentarily rendered speechless.
Synonyms
astonished, astounded, flabbergasted, stunned.
Examples of usage
- She was dumbfounded by the unexpected announcement.
- He stood dumbfounded as his team lost the match in the final seconds.
- They were dumbfounded when they won the grand prize.
- I was left dumbfounded after hearing the surprising news.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from combining 'dumb,' meaning not able to speak, and 'found,' which signifies being caught off guard.
- It has been in use since the 17th century, originally suggesting being speechless due to shock or amazement.
- The prefix 'dumb' in this context refers to the inability to speak, not the common current meaning of lacking intelligence.
Psychology
- Experiencing shock can trigger a fight or flight response, leading to a temporary inability to articulate thoughts.
- Being speechless is often a way for the brain to process unexpected or overwhelming information.
- People often report becoming ‘dumbfounded’ in situations of profound joy, fear, or disbelief, indicating a strong emotional connection.
Literature
- Authors frequently use 'dumbfounded' to emphasize a character's surprise, enhancing the emotional depth of a scene.
- In classic literature, being dumbfounded can mark critical turning points for characters, highlighting their internal struggles.
- Famous characters in novels often become dumbfounded upon learning shocking truths, reflecting human responses to revelations.
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, a character’s dumbfounded reaction can lead to comedic moments, showing the humor in shock.
- Reality shows often capture contestants being dumbfounded by unexpected twists, adding drama to the narrative.
- The word appears in popular songs and stories, describing moments of awe or disbelief in relationships and life events.
Language Use
- In conversation, using 'dumbfounded' can convey that someone is really surprised, bringing color to everyday speech.
- This word is often paired with phrases like 'left me dumbfounded,' showcasing the intensity of the surprise felt.
- Synonyms like 'astonished' or 'astounded' can express similar feelings, but 'dumbfounded' emphasizes the speechless aspect.
Translations
Translations of the word "dumbfounded" in other languages:
🇵🇹 atordoado
🇮🇳 हैरान
🇩🇪 verblüfft
🇮🇩 terkejut
🇺🇦 приголомшений
🇵🇱 oszołomiony
🇯🇵 唖然とした
🇫🇷 stupéfait
🇪🇸 boquiabierto
🇹🇷 şok olmuş
🇰🇷 어리둥절한
🇸🇦 مذهول
🇨🇿 ohromený
🇸🇰 ohromený
🇨🇳 愕然
🇸🇮 osupel
🇮🇸 áfallinn
🇰🇿 таңғалған
🇬🇪 გაკვირვებული
🇦🇿 heyrətlənmiş
🇲🇽 asombrado