astound
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈstaʊnd/US/əˈstaʊnd/
To surprise or shock someone greatly.
Example Sentences
The magician's final trick astounded the audience.
She was astounded by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop.
His sudden decision to quit his job astounded his colleagues.
The complexity of the puzzle astounded even the most experienced players.
They were astounded by the generous donation from the anonymous benefactor.
The scientist's groundbreaking discovery astounded the research community.
The speed at which the project was completed astounded the managers.
Her incredible performance in the play astounded everyone in the theater.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To overwhelm someone with intense surprise or wonder.“Astound” suggests a powerful, often sudden sense of amazement that can take your breath away. It goes beyond mild surprise to imply you’re nearly stunned. For instance, you might be astounded by a rare natural phenomenon, a performer’s showstopping ability, or shocking news that flips your assumptions. If you say something “astounds” you, you’re indicating it far exceeds normal expectations or typical experiences.This word commonly appears in contexts where something is so extraordinary that it leaves observers briefly unable to react. In everyday usage, you might mention a friend’s hidden talent—like unexpectedly playing a complex piano piece—that genuinely astounds you. Or you might describe a new technology’s capabilities as astounding if it revolutionizes how tasks are done. Wherever “astound” appears, the underlying theme is an intense, almost disorienting level of surprise or admiration.
Alternatives
“Astonish,” “amaze,” and “stun” overlap closely with “astound.” “Astonish” highlights strong surprise, often mixed with awe. “Amaze” implies great wonder, possibly with delight. “Stun” leans toward a sudden jolt that can momentarily halt your ability to think or react. “Astound” emphasizes being truly floored—so overwhelmed by the unexpected that you’re left in wonder or disbelief. Other related words might be “flabbergast,” which adds a slightly humorous twist, or “shock,” which can carry negative or serious connotations. In all these synonyms, something surpasses normal bounds of expectation, but “astound” pinpoints a grand, even staggering, element of surprise.
Writing
When using “astound” in writing, establish context so readers grasp why the event is so striking. For instance, “The sheer scale of the new telescope astounded astronomers worldwide, revealing galaxies previously invisible,” indicates what specifically caused the collective shock. In a narrative, you might describe a character’s reaction—eyes widening, speechless pause—to show how a discovery or realization caught them off guard.In persuasive or expository texts, pair “astound” with data or vivid examples—“These figures will astound economic analysts, doubling last year’s forecast.” This approach quantifies how remarkable the development is. If writing creatively, emphasize emotional undertones: “She was astounded by the gesture—tears sprang to her eyes, the gift was beyond anything she’d imagined.” By detailing the feelings, you immerse readers in the moment of wonder.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “astound” can stress that something blew your mind far more than usual. You might say, “It astounds me how quickly he learned French,” if you’re genuinely impressed by the speed. Or “Her kindness astounds me every day,” indicating you find someone’s generosity consistently surprising.You can employ “astound” playfully: “It still astounds me you haven’t tried sushi!” This good-natured ribbing implies you find it almost unbelievable. Some might prefer simpler terms like “surprise” or “amaze” for everyday talk, but “astound” adds drama. It’s a strong verb, so using it for minor shocks—like a funny coincidence—might seem overblown. Usually, it’s saved for moments that genuinely provoke an exclamation of disbelief or huge admiration.
Etymology
“Astound” springs from Middle English “astoned,” linked to Old French “estoner,” and ultimately Latin “extonare” (“thunderstruck”). Similar to “astonish,” it evokes the image of being thundered into near stupefaction. Over centuries, the spelling shifted from “astoned” to “astound,” retaining the core meaning: an electrifying sense of shock or wonder, as if struck by something immensely powerful or unexpected. Today, to say you’re astounded is to say you’re reeling in surprise or amazement—just as if thunder had rattled you into brief disbelief.