Dumbfounded: meaning, definitions and examples
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dumbfounded
[ ˈdʌmfˌaʊndɪd ]
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'dumbfounded' originates from the combination of 'dumb' and 'found.' The term 'dumb' comes from Old English 'dumb,' meaning unable to speak. In this context, 'dumb' does not refer to lack of intelligence but instead indicates being temporarily speechless due to surprise or shock. The suffix 'founded' suggests having a certain basis or grounding, which combined with 'dumb' evokes the image of being left without a foundation of speech or reaction. The first recorded use of 'dumbfounded' dates back to the late 17th century, where it was used to describe a state of astonishment that left one unable to articulate thoughts or feelings. Over time, it has been widely adopted in the English language to express feelings of shock and disbelief.