Dumfounded: meaning, definitions and examples

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dumfounded

 

[ dʌmˈfaʊndɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

surprised reaction

Dumfounded describes a state of being unable to speak, typically due to shock or astonishment. When someone is dumfounded, they are so surprised by something that they are temporarily at a loss for words.

Synonyms

astonished, astounded, flabbergasted, speechless

Examples of usage

  • She was dumfounded by the unexpected news.
  • The audience sat dumfounded after the magician's final trick.
  • He looked dumfounded when he received the award.
  • They were dumfounded to discover the truth.

Translations

Translations of the word "dumfounded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atordoado

🇮🇳 चकित

🇩🇪 verblüfft

🇮🇩 terkejut

🇺🇦 ошелешений

🇵🇱 oszołomiony

🇯🇵 唖然とした (あぜんとした)

🇫🇷 ahuri

🇪🇸 asombrado

🇹🇷 şaşırmış

🇰🇷 어리둥절한 (eoridungjeolhan)

🇸🇦 مندهش (mundahish)

🇨🇿 ohromený

🇸🇰 ohromený

🇨🇳 震惊 (zhènjīng)

🇸🇮 osupel

🇮🇸 undrandi

🇰🇿 түсініксіз (tüsınıksiz)

🇬🇪 შოკირებული (shok’irebuli)

🇦🇿 şokda

🇲🇽 sorprendido

Etymology

The word 'dumfounded' comes from the combination of 'dumb' (meaning unable to speak, which in this context refers to being so shocked that one cannot articulate) and 'found,' which is derived from the past participle of 'find.' Its usage dates back to the 17th century, where it was used to describe a state of being rendered speechless, particularly due to surprise or confusion. The root 'dumb' originally meant 'silent' or 'mute,' and it is not connected to the modern notions of being intellectually incapacitated. Over time, 'dumfounded' evolved to express a more intense reaction of astonishment than merely being quiet.